The sources of information these days are vast and not infrequently misinform.
Distortion of the truth automatically leads to patients being confused and not knowing which source to believe.
They will also go to the dentist’s surgery and suggest their own treatment options based on what they have read on the internet.
That is why, in order for the medical procedure to run smoothly, patients must listen to the instructions given only by the doctor, not those found elsewhere on the internet.
There is some information that patients have but which is not entirely true. The most common of these are the following:
Only teeth suffering from a certain pathology hurt – this idea that is cemented in patients’ minds is not true because diseased teeth may not hurt, they may remain asymptomatic for a long time.
Most problems, whether dental or gum problems, are not accompanied by pain when they start. Most of the time, pain only occurs in advanced stages, when treatment becomes more complex and costly.
Tooth decay has a painless onset. In the later stages, cold or sweet sensitivity may occur. However, once the decay has progressed to the pulp chamber, i.e. the centre of the tooth, pain is present in most cases.
It is important that patients attend regular check-ups to ensure that any condition is detected early. Treatment methods are much less invasive and less expensive if they are carried out early, rather than delayed to the point where treatment options are narrowed down.
Many patients believe that if they consume sugar, they will develop cavities. This statement is only half true. In reality, it is not the amount of sugar consumed that is necessarily important, but the type of sugar that is ingested. Thus, sugar-containing foods that are sticky, such as fudge or even candied fruit can be much more harmful than plain sugar. The sticky quality of these foods ensures that they are in prolonged contact with tooth substance. Thus, the acid attack will be prolonged.
Untimely brushing cleans teeth better – this claim is not true. In fact, vigorous, forceful, untimely brushing only destroys the enamel prisms in your teeth. Brushing should be done with soft, commercially available toothbrushes and toothpaste should not contain abrasive granules that could destroy enamel.
Another myth that patients face is that braces can only be applied during childhood. This is totally untrue, as braces can be applied at any age, if the bone support and condition of the teeth allows it.
Because sometimes the information found in different sources can misinform rather than help the patient, it is good to have regular check-ups. The dentist will then be able to detect any damage to the teeth and surrounding tissues at an early stage.
