5 Common Myths about Cavities & How to Prevent Them

It’s easy to think we already know what we need to know about cavities, but there are some common misconceptions out there. Here are 5 that we often hear from our patients.

You Will Know When You Have a Cavity: Cavities usually don’t hurt until they are deep enough to get to the nerve of your tooth. Other obvious signs are dark spots or crumbling teeth. In most cases though, you will not be aware of a cavity until it gets serious.

Kids Get More Cavities than Adults: Children who receive regular dental care usually have their teeth protected with sealants and fluoride treatments. But, older adults often develop cavities when their gums recede, exposing new soft areas of teeth to potential harm. Everyone is at risk.

If Your Tooth is Sensitive, You Have a Cavity: There are many potential causes of tooth sensitivity, including damage to the tooth’s nerve, gum recession, tooth grinding, and broken or cracked fillings. It doesn’t always mean you have a cavity.

Putting Aspirin Next to a Tooth Will Help a Toothache: Aspirin needs to be swallowed and enter your bloodstream to be effective. You are better off taking aspirin the same as you would for a headache.

Gaps in Teeth Lead to Cavities: Areas with more space are easier to clean and less likely to trap food than tighter areas. Cleaner teeth means less of a chance for cavities. It is the tight or unusual spaces between teeth that have a higher risk.

The bottom line is that you need to take good care of your teeth and if you have symptoms or suspicions that something is wrong between your regular dental visits, give us a call.

Here are 7 ways you can help keep your teeth cavity free:

1. Brush and floss daily – brushing twice a day is ideal
2. When you can’t brush, chew sugarless gum with xylitol
3. Avoid sweet sticky foods that stay on your teeth
4. Stop drinking carbonated drinks that erode enamel
5. Be careful with throat lozenges or hard candies that soak your teeth in sugar
6. Keep your mouth moist – ask us for help if you experience dry mouth
7. Come in regularly for professional cleanings and dental check ups

If you are due or overdue for a dental check up or recommended treatment, please give us a call. We promise to take great care of you.

KN Dentistry – Orange, CA – (714) 633-2562