05 Feb Beware of These 4 Dental Fads
Social media and the internet allows people to access information about everything. Hopefully these four dental fads will be researched carefully. Although they may promise whiter teeth, fresh breath, or a cure for a dental problem, a visit with your dentist is much safer and will produce better, long term results.
Fads – Wisdom or Dangerous?
- Teeth Whitening – The number of experimental fads that promise to whiten your teeth are numerous. Oil pulling is a process that involves swishing coconut or sesame oil in your mouth for about 20 minutes. In addition to whiter teeth, this is supposed to be a cure for bad breath. There are much better solutions available through your dentist.
Brushing teeth with charcoal based products, vinegar, carbonated soda, or lemon juice may seem promising at first. However, these products are acidic and abrasive and can lead to wearing down precious enamel. Enamel is the protective coating on teeth, but using the wrong products can damage enamel exposing the surface beneath (the dentin) that makes teeth appear discolored. Once enamel is gone, it is not regenerated.
- Canker Sore Cure – Canker sores are ulcer like sores that are very painful. Usually affecting 10 to 20 year olds, these sores need to run their course. There is no cure at this time, but there are medications that help bring relief.
- Jewelry and Grills – Oral piercings and teeth grills may be very popular, but the problems associated with them include dental decay, gum erosion, broken teeth, and infection.
- Fluoride Free Toothpaste – Early in the twentieth century, it was discovered that fluoride was an effective deterrent for dental decay. By mid century, many communities started adding fluoride to cities’ water systems. The discussion about the values of fluoride continues, but popular thinking and years of research have demonstrated the value of fluoride to teeth care.
Your Dentist is Your Best Resource
When questions arise about your dental health and the best care available for your teeth and gums, your dentist is the authority you should listen to.
Brush twice daily with a fluoridated toothpaste; floss every day to remove what your toothbrush missed; and visit our team at Aesthetic Dental Partners every six months for cleaning and dental exam. Your permanent teeth are needed to last a lifetime, so follow the advice of your dental professional … not the latest fad.