DentalDentalDentalDental MythsMythsMythsMyths andandandand MisconceptionsMisconceptionsMisconceptionsMisconceptions BustedBustedBustedBusted bybybyby SunSunSunSun CityCityCityCity Dentists,Dentists,Dentists,Dentists, PARTPARTPARTPART 3333

This four-part article series sets out explaining and dispelling the many common myths andmisconceptions surrounding oral health and hygiene and certain dental procedures.

Welcome back to our four-part article series in which we get SunSunSunSun CityCityCityCity dentistsdentistsdentistsdentists to explain and bustthe various myths and misconceptions surrounding oral health, hygiene and dental treatment. In ourprevious article post, the second installment of the series, it was explained that it’s not sugar thatcauses cavities per se, but rather oral bacteria. These tiny critters feast upon the sugars left behind inyour mouth after a meal and their subsequent proliferation and nasty excretions lead to cavities,decay and gum disease. It was also explained that osteoporosis, while a disease that affects the bones,can also lead to tooth loss, which is why proper nutrition and the correct medical management are soimportant.

Let’s continue busting the myths!

DentalDentalDentalDental MythMythMythMyth #### 5:5:5:5: UsingUsingUsingUsing toothpickstoothpickstoothpickstoothpicks actuallyactuallyactuallyactually causescausescausescauses thethethethe gapsgapsgapsgaps betweenbetweenbetweenbetween youryouryouryour teethteethteethteeth totototobecomebecomebecomebecomewider.wider.wider.wider.

TheTheTheThe Facts:Facts:Facts:Facts: “There are only two things we really want patients to know about toothpicks,” say SunCity dentists. “One... that using a toothpick after a meal should NOT replace brushing and flossing;toothpicks are there to clean bits of debris out from between your teeth to relieve discomfort and toprevent you from embarrassing yourself. Two... you must be careful not to injure your gums whenpoking about between your teeth. Toothpicks are quite sharp and you can actually make yourselfbleed.”

Beyond these two points, there is nothing more to be said. Toothpicks do not widen the gaps betweenyour teeth. How can they? They’re made of soft wood and your teeth are made out of the strongestsubstance in your body! Your teeth are also rooted firmly in your jaw, so it’ll take more than atoothpick or even a lifetime’s worth of toothpicks to affect their positioning.

DentalDentalDentalDentalMythMythMythMyth #### 6:6:6:6: IfIfIfIf youryouryouryour breathbreathbreathbreath smellssmellssmellssmells bad,bad,bad,bad, itititit meansmeansmeansmeans youyouyouyou’’’’rererere notnotnotnot brushingbrushingbrushingbrushing properlyproperlyproperlyproperly

TheTheTheThe Facts:Facts:Facts:Facts: “True, bad breath is most commonly the result of poor brushing habits and sloppy oralhygiene, but not always,” say dentaldentaldentaldental implantsimplantsimplantsimplants specialistsspecialistsspecialistsspecialists inininin SunSunSunSun CityCityCityCity. “Bad breath can actuallybe an indicator of systemic disease, such as diabetes. It can also be caused by the food you eat,respiratory tract infections and certain habits, such as smoking and drinking (alcohol).”

In the case of diabetes, the common side effect of halitosis is a result of the body burning fat insteadof sugar for fuel (since diabetics, who do not produce enough insulin, are unable to process glucose).The byproducts of fat being burned are ketones, which are either expelled from the body via thebladder or via respiration. Unfortunately, ketones don’t smell very nice, which explains the halitosis.

TheTheTheThe Solution:Solution:Solution:Solution: If you suspect that you may suffer from chronic bad breath, the best thing you can dofor yourself is schedule an appointment with your Sun City dentist. Explain to him or her yourproblem and they will look closely for the cause. If your teeth and gums are in good condition andyou maintain a high standard of oral hygiene, you may need to go see your doctor for a more accuratediagnosis. If you are a diabetic, you will need to use extra care in looking after your teeth and perhapscarry around some sugar-free chewing gum for those up-close-and-personal social situations.

StayStayStayStay TunedTunedTunedTuned

To read more dental myths and misconceptions join us next week for the final installment of thisfour-part article series, courtesy of Sun City dentists.