When it comes to ridiculous beliefs on dental hygiene and treatment, we’ve heard just about everything. However, the most dangerous ones usually aren’t quite so over the top. Unfortunately, a number of dental myths are floating all over Columbus, so Dr. Barry and Dr. Love are here to put an end to the misinformation. Don’t feel bad if you have believed one or more of these at some point, you’re not the only one, but do make sure to give us a call at Lifetime Dental Health if you have any questions or concerns.
If your gums are bleeding, don’t brush them
The idea behind this false claim is that bleeding gums need to be allowed time to heal before they should be brushed, when in fact, gums bleed because they haven’t been brushed enough! This is because bacteria has built up around and beneath the gum line, irritating the gums.
Sensitive teeth is a sign of cavities
Tooth sensitivity varies among Columbus residents. Some people have particularly sensitive teeth, and others simply have recessed gum lines, which exposes the roots, causing sensitivity. Although tooth decay can cause sensitivity, it is not always at fault.
More sugar means more cavities
Tooth decay and cavities are the result of bacteria breaking down sugars into harmful acids. The amount of sugar in your mouth plays a part, but the most important factor is how long the sugar is allowed to stay on your teeth. Brushing after meals or rinsing with water after eating sugary foods is a good policy.
Bleaching can harm or weaken teeth
Bleaching does not affect the health, integrity, or strength of teeth. In fact, bleaching only changes the color of teeth by removing tooth pigmentation. Some Columbus residents may experience sensitive teeth or mild gum irritation after bleaching, but these are temporary and do not indicate that any harm has been done.
Applying aspirin directly to teeth helps get rid of toothaches
Do not do this! Aspirin does not work that way; it is effective only when it enters the bloodstream. Even worse, Dr. Barry and Dr. Love reminds us that when aspirin comes into contact with teeth, it can actually cause more pain from an acid burn. Think about it – would you rub an aspirin tablet on your back for a muscle ache? Probably not.
Now we’re talking! Dental myths can do serious harm if they are allowed to spread. We, at Lifetime Dental Health, want everyone in Columbus to have healthy, beautiful smiles, so please pass this information along, and let us know if you have any questions about how to properly care for your teeth.
Imagine this- you have come to see Dr. Richard Barry and Dr. Beth Love for a cleaning and routine check-up. The cleaning goes well, but then Dr. Richard Barry tells you that you have a cavity. You’ve been dreading the possibility of this news and now you fear that something must be wrong, since you have been brushing and flossing regularly.
We at Lifetime Dental Health see this happen every day and we want to put your mind at ease. Cavities are very common and usually a simple fix for Dr. Richard Barry and Dr. Beth Love. Use this guide to learn about what cavities are and how you can prevent them.
Cavities: The Basics
Cavities are caused by tooth decay, which is a byproduct of too much plaque.
Here’s how it works. Every day, our saliva breaks down the food we eat into bacteria and then into acid, which mixes with the saliva and forms the nuisance commonly referred to as plaque. Remarkably, it only takes 20 minutes for plaque to form on your teeth after eating. Plaque is corrosive to the outer layer of your teeth (enamel). If plaque is left to its own devices, it will likely result in tooth decay, which literally causes decay in the structure of your teeth. Both enamel and dentin (the layer beneath enamel) may be damaged during this process, and a cavity can often form as a result.
How to Prevent Cavities
Now that you know the cavity’s life story, it’s time to find out how to keep your teeth protected! First of all, it’s important to understand that the majority of people will get at least one cavity in their lifetime, and although cavities most often affect children, it is possible for people of all ages to get them at any time. How do you stay safe? Dr. Richard Barry and Dr. Beth Love recommend these tips:
When it comes to ridiculous beliefs on dental hygiene and treatment, we’ve heard just about everything. However, the most dangerous ones usually aren’t quite so over the top. Unfortunately, a number of dental myths are floating all over Columbus, so Dr. Barry and Dr. Love are here to put an end to the misinformation. Don’t feel bad if you have believed one or more of these at some point, you’re not the only one, but do make sure to give us a 
Imagine this- you have come to see