Kingston TN
If you want to be in the best health possible, you need to make sure you’re taking good care of your teeth and mouth. Unfortunately, there is lots of misinformation out there regarding oral care. Today on the blog, your family dentist in LakeView looks to bust these six myths about oral care.
Myth 1) Hard toothbrushes do a better job cleaning your teeth
The exact opposite is true; you want to use a soft-bristled toothbrush to care for your teeth. Using a hard-bristled toothbrush or brushing too aggressively, or both, can do damage to your gums or your tooth enamel. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush that moves in soft, circular motions to remove food particles, bacteria and plaque from your teeth. The oral health professionals at LakeView can provide education on proper brushing techniques during your next dental cleaning appointment.
Myth 2) Dental X-rays are not important
Your dentist should be taking X-rays at least once a year—as one of your twice-annual visits for a regular check-up. These X-rays are crucial in maintaining an accurate record of your oral health, identifying potential problems long before they start manifesting obvious symptoms. Our digital X-ray technology streamlines this entire process, taking more precise images while emitting a fraction of the radiation that is released by traditional X-ray machines.
Myth 3) Whitening treatments harm your teeth
Any teeth whitening procedure uses a bleaching agent to remove surface stains from your teeth. Used improperly, this bleaching agent can cause enhanced sensitivity in teeth, but this is more common when using a store-bought kit, toothpaste or oral rinse. At LakeView Dental Arts, each of our dental whitening treatments is overseen by one of our cosmetic dentists, minimizing the risk of increased sensitivity. Moreover, our whitening procedures use more powerful products than any over-the-counter option, producing results that are more significant and also last longer.
Myth 4) Brushing and flossing right before a dental appointment will hide any problems
This is completely false. Modern dental practices have advanced diagnostic methods to detect underlying problems with your teeth, gums, and mouth. In addition to using digital X-rays, we also use a three-dimensional CBCT scanner, which can detect abnormalities that do not even show up on X-rays. These are just two of the ways that LakeView Dental Arts uses technology to provide the highest level of care.
Myth 5) Gum disease is not widespread
In truth, gum disease is one of the most widespread chronic diseases in this country. Data compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed that nearly half of all adults in the United States over the age of 30 had some form of gum disease, including a staggering 70 percent of senior citizens 65 and older. LakeView Dental Arts offers a comprehensive program of periodontal treatment.
Myth 6) It’s not safe to go to the dentist while pregnant
Regular dental visits are even more important if you are an expectant mother. The hormonal changes during pregnancy can significantly increase a pregnant woman’s chance of developing gum disease. If you become pregnant, we actually recommend that you schedule an additional checkup. This also adjusts your regular schedule of cleanings to avoid an appointment during the third trimester, when it can be uncomfortable to sit in the dental chair for extended periods.
Comprehensive dental care in Kingston, Tennessee
Now that we have busted a few myths, if you have lapsed on your regular schedule of dental appointments, now is a great time to get back on track. LakeView Dental Arts currently is accepting new patients. To make an appointment, call (865) 376-9687 or contact us online.
