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Five Myths and Misconceptions of Oral Care | Henderson Dentist

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Oral care and hygiene are paramount to our ability to maintain and retain our teeth as we age. With so much information about oral care practices online, we felt it was important to demystify some of the most common dental myths and misconceptions we hear and offer advice on how to move forward.

Myth 1. Baby Teeth Don’t Need Brushing.

Good oral care practices begin when we are young and proper oral care for a child’s first set of teeth matters. Tooth decay in a baby tooth can lead to complications as an adult, so we recommend a twice-daily brushing routine as soon as the child has teeth.

Myth 2. Sugar Causes Cavities.

Sugar itself is not the cause of cavities, though the bacteria that eat the sugar can be. The starches and sugar themselves attract bacteria that thrive on the surface of your teeth and release an acidic compound that promotes tooth decay. Regular brushing and rinsing after eating particular sugary foods will go a long way toward preventing decay.

Myth 3. Hard Brushing Cleans Better.

This action is counter-productive, as excess pressure on your teeth can work to damage enamel rather than support it. Hard brushing also hurts our gums and can lead to a recessed gum lining over time. We recommend taking care to brush gently with a soft-bristle brush.

Myth 4. Chewing Gum Helps Clean Teeth.

Chewing gum is certainly not a replacement for brushing. Chewing gum can be a great way to combat sugar cravings or a candy habit, but while it makes your breath smell better, it cannot replace the benefits of brushing.

Myth 5. Enamel Loss Causes Sensitivity.

We may experience sensitivity for many reasons, and enamel loss doesn’t happen overnight. Tooth grinding, abrasive toothpaste, aggressive brushing and lack of regular proper oral hygiene all contribute to both sensitivity and a loss of enamel. Should you lose your enamel, however, you will likely experience tooth sensitivity as well.

Interested in learning more? Call to schedule an appointment today at 702-735-2755 or visit us online at www.patricksimonedds.com today.

Dr. Patrick Simone proudly serves patients from Henderson and all surrounding areas.

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Oral Care Myths and Misconceptions | Henderson Dentist

Oral care and hygiene are paramount to our ability to maintain and retain our teeth as we age. With so much information about oral care practices online, we felt it was important to demystify some of the most common dental myths and misconceptions we hear and offer advice on how to move forward.

Myth 1. Hard Brushing Cleans Better.

This action is counter-productive, as excess pressure on your teeth can work to damage enamel rather than support it. Hard brushing also hurts our gums and can lead to a recessed gum lining over time. We recommend taking care to brush gently with a soft-bristle brush.

Myth 2. Chewing Gum Helps Clean Teeth.

Chewing gum is certainly not a replacement to brushing. Chewing gum can be a great way to combat sugar cravings or a candy habit, but while it makes your breath smell better, it cannot replace the benefits of brushing.

Myth 3. Baby Teeth Don’t Need Brushing.

Good oral care practices begin when we are young, and proper oral care for a child’s first set of teeth matters. Tooth decay in a baby tooth can lead to complications as an adult, so we recommend a twice daily brushing routine as soon as the child has teeth.

Myth 4. Sugar Causes Cavities.

Sugar itself is not the cause of cavities, though the bacteria that eat the sugar can be. The starches and sugar itself attract bacteria that thrive on the surface of your teeth and release an acidic compound that promotes tooth decay. Regular brushing and rinsing after eating particular sugary foods will go a log way to prevent decay.

Myth 5. Enamel Loss Causes Sensitivity.

There are many reasons why we may experience sensitivity, and enamel loss doesn’t happen overnight. Tooth grinding, abrasive toothpaste, aggressive brushing and lack of regular proper oral hygiene all contribute to both sensitivity and a loss of enamel. Should you lose your enamel however, you will likely experience tooth sensitivity as well.

To schedule an appointment today or learn more about proper oral care and see the beautiful smiles Dr. Simone has created, visit us online Dental Myths and Misconceptionsathttp://www.patricksimonedds.com/

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Top Five Dental Implant Myths | Las Vegas, NV

implant diagramFor many years, the only dental restoration option for tooth loss were dentures. Fortunately, thanks to the advances in modern dentistry, there are more options to choose from. One of the dental restorations available to replace missing are dental implants. Dental implants offer important advantages over alternative dental restoration options in terms of aesthetics, comfort, function and longevity. However, like many other dental treatments, there are myths surrounding dental implants that have made people shy away from the dental treatment. By exposing the truth behind the myths, you can make a more informed decision about whether dental implants are right for you.

Myth #1: Dental implants are noticeable.

Fact: One of the best things about dental implants is that they blend seamlessly with your existing teeth. In fact, dental implants closely resemble natural teeth. Unless you tell someone you have dental implants, chances are they won’t even notice.

Myth #2: Dental implant placement is painful.

Fact: Dental implants require surgery, so there will be some pain and discomfort. However, most patients that go through with the dental treatment find it no more painful than having a tooth pulled. Also, with the help of nitrous oxide or anesthesia, patients will have the chance to undergo a more comfortable procedure.

Myth #3: Everyone can get dental implants.

Fact: Not everyone can get dental implants. For patients to be an ideal candidate, they must have strong bone tissue in the mouth in order to secure the implant. A medical professional or qualified dentist can help determine if you’re an ideal candidate.

Myth #4: Dental implants are really expensive.

Fact: When considering the cost of dental implant, patients should take the long term expense into consideration as well. For example, dental implants are cheaper than a dental bridge in the long run because they last longer. Bridges only last 5-15 years, while dental implants can last up to 25 years before they need replaced, making dental implants more valuable in the long run.

Myth #5: Dental implants require a lot of work.

Fact: Several people think they need to spend more time caring for dental implants. However, implants can be treated like natural teeth. You care for your dental implant by brushing and flossing, and you can eat whatever you want and even chew gum. There’s no need to worry about taking any special precautions for implants.

There are several myths out there about dental implants. The best way to obtain accurate information regarding dental implants is to consult with a dental professional.

If you are interested in dental implants, contact Dr. Patrick Simone in Henderson, NV at 702-735-2755 or visit at www.patricksimonedds.com for additional information.

Dr. Patrick Simone also proudly accepts patients from Henderson, Las Vegas, Silverado Ranch, Enterprise, Whitney, Spring Valley, and all surrounding areas.