Let’s Sink Our Teeth into Some Common Misconceptions
Due to an overwhelming amount of information out there, you may be confused by some dental care and oral health myths. At University Associates in Dentistry, we want you to decipher the truth from common misconceptions. Below are a few debunked dental myths so you can optimize your oral health and overall well-being!
MYTH 1: YOUR ORAL HEALTH ISN’T CONNECTED TO YOUR OVERALL WELL-BEING
Fact:
Your mouth can be an entry point for harmful bacteria. An unhealthy mouth can lead to an unhealthy body. Gum disease, most often caused by poor oral health, can lead to heart disease, diabetes, respiratory disease, osteoporosis, and rheumatoid arthritis. If you’ve got gum disease, even routine brushing and flossing can cause breaks in your gums that give those microbes access to the rest of your body. Keeping a good oral care routine and seeing your dentist regularly can significantly reduce the risk of other diseases entering your body.
MYTH 2: AS YOU GET OLDER, THE HEALTH OF YOUR TEETH DETERIORATES
Fact:
If you commit to a solid dental routine and regularly check in with your dentist, you can have excellent oral health leading well into your senior years. As you get older, your oral health can be affected by aging, diseases, or medicines. Because of this, the processes on how to take care of your mouth will change, so be sure to book regular appointments with your dentist to find the best oral care routine for you.
MYTH 3: TEETH WHITENING WILL DAMAGE YOUR TEETH
Fact:
Contrary to popular belief, teeth whitening can be a very safe procedure if done under expert supervision. At UAD, we understand that tooth sensitivity and damage to the roots of teeth are possible. And can assess if you may have problems with sensitivities or root damage and treat accordingly. It’s safer to go with a trusted, dentist-recommended product. We are happy to recommend a professional at-home whitening kit and demonstrate how to use them properly.
MYTH 4: AVOID THE DENTIST WHEN PREGNANT
Fact:
Routine dental care and urgent procedures can both be done any time during pregnancy. We also recommended that our patients keep their regular check-ups during pregnancy because the rise in hormone levels can cause swollen gums, bleeding gums, and food trapped in your gums, resulting in increased irritation. Preventive dental work while pregnant is essential to avoid oral infections such as gum disease.
Conveniently for patients, our dental office in downtown Chicago centralizes everything at a single office. If you are unsure of any dental care information, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us to schedule a free consult by clicking here or giving us a call!
UAD phone number – (312) 704-5511
Located in downtown Chicago at 222 N LaSalle St.
