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Welcome to the blog of Dr. Maggie Chao and staff at Pleasanton Prosthodontics. We proudly serve patients in Pleasanton, CA and beyond, including those who have lost one or more teeth. We offer a variety of services, including dental implants for those who’ve lost teeth.
At our office we often get asked some pretty common questions from our patients. However, we’ve noticed that our patients are often fed the wrong information about their dental condition, especially from friends or from the internet. Today we’re going to take a look at some common dental myths we’ve heard and debunk them for you.
Debunking Dental Myths
Does sugar-free gum work?
Sugar-free gum is actually very beneficial. Some studies have shown that chewing gum can help with your concentration and is exercise for your jaw muscles. So long as the gum is sugar-free, you won’t need to worry so much about cavities, or tooth decay, on your teeth.
Cavities are not caused by sugar alone but are actually caused by sugar-eating bacteria that reside in your mouth. The less sugar you eat, the less these bacteria will have to waste and cause cavities.
Can I keep using my toothbrush after I’m sick?
When you’re sick and using the same toothbrush, it is possible for bacteria to remain on the toothbrush. Even if you recover, using the same sickly toothbrush can result in infecting yourself again with the illness. Dispose your toothbrush after a serious illness, and it’ll reduce your chances of getting sick again.
Do I have healthy teeth because I whitened them?
Teeth whitening and home whitening remedies are becoming all the rage nowadays. However, while white teeth is certainly appealing and confidence-boosting, it is not a direct indication of healthiness. It’s possible for patients to still get cavities or suffer from gum recession, periodontal disease and more. The symptoms may not be visible on the surface of your tooth either, they could be down in your gums, behind and between your teeth as well.
If I eat a lot of sugar, will I get more cavities?
The answer to this question can be both yes and no. If you consume a lot of sugar, the important thing is to keep your teeth clean as well. The bacterial waste that causes cavities can be prevented if you keep a good oral health regimen. With good oral health comes less sugar for the bacteria to feast on. So yes, you can reach for that cake and candy, so long as you brush at least twice a day, floss, and follow any further instructions from your dentist.
Share Your Dental Myth in Pleasanton CA
If you’ve heard a dental myth that you aren’t sure is true, feel free to ask us. Our experienced staff would be happy to take your question. If you’re missing one or more teeth in Pleasanton, CA we can help you there too. Pleasanton Prosthodontics offers quality dental implants to replace those lost teeth, with a slew of benefits to boot. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Chao and learn more about our services and dental implant experience.