Common Myths and Facts About Cavities, Cont'd

 There are so many myths and facts out there regarding tooth decay!  In this follow-up blog, we'll try to unravel some of the tangled ideas that many people have.

Myth or Fact: 

1.  Pregnancy can cause cavities. There is some truth to this.  Pregnant women are more prone to cavities.  This may be because of hormonal imbalance, eating more carbohydrates (cravings)  and gum sensitivity, also known as pregnancy gingivitis.  

2. You can heal cavities without dental treatment.  This is mostly false.  Once a cavity has taken hold the only way to treat it is with professional intervention.  In other words, you will need a filling.  However, cavities that are in the earliest stages, almost undetectable, can sometimes be healed by remineralization of the tooth.

3. You can fill your own cavities at home.  NO!! False.  *Over the counter tooth filling kits are not meant to permanently fill a tooth and will not protect it from decaying further.  

*There has been a rise in DIY dental treatments recently (no doubt from the high cost of dentistry.  Let's face it, it's ridiculous).  People attempt thigs like making their own braces and pulling their own teeth.  Bad idea!  So many things can go wrong.  

Hope this clears a few things up!  

Keep Smiling!

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Common Myths and Facts About Cavities

 MYTH: Only Sugar Can Cause Cavities:

FALSE:  Sorry mothers, I hate to take away your reason for your child to have that candy car. Yes, sugar does cause cavities, but that is not the only culprit. If you want your kiddo to stay cavity free then you should steer them clear of bread and pasta, too. Those foods contain starch, which is another cavity culprit.

MYTH: Extra Brushing Will Heal or Slow Down The Progression Of a Cavity
FALSE: Tooth enamel does not grow back. When you have a cavity, you need to get it filled. If you don't, you will eventually need a root canal and/or a crown. Brushing will not heal it or slow it down. Now, on the positive side, brushing will reduce the risk of  getting cavities in the first place and it will also keep the cavity clean and reduce the risk of infection.

MYTH: If I Had A Cavity, I Would Feel It
FALSE: Well, mostly false. If you feel the cavity and are experiencing pain, then you are probably dealing with a serious cavity that is much more advanced. When a cavity is starting chances are really good that you will not be able to feel it. Which is all the more reason why regular dental checkups are so important.  Have you ever had a check up and found out that you have 3 or 4 small cavities that you didn't know were there? Happens all the time.

FUN FACT:  Cavities are Contagious!

TRUE:  Regularly kissing someone who has cavities transfers the bacteria in their mouth to yours through the exchange of saliva. That same bacteria can cause cavities in your mouth. Think about that for a moment. Let it sink in!  

So, it appears we have busted at least a few of the myths! I am sure there are many more. Do you have any that you would like us to research? Comment on this blog and we will try to find out if it is Myth or Fact!

Orthodontics For Dogs and Cats...Really?

  If you are a pet owner and, like me, your pet is your baby, it's likely you will spare no expense to ensure that they are healthy and happy.  Maintaining your pet's oral health is as important as making sure that they are vaccinated or that they are receiving regular veterinary care. (Goodness knows there are already twice as many vaccinations for dogs as opposed to humans, and medications can get pricey as well as just the simple costs of office visits for wellness check-ups.) 

Pets should have regular dental check-ups and cleanings. Animals are susceptible to many of the same physical ailments as humans, including dental issues! They can get cavities, periodontal disease, abscesses, broken teeth...just about anything a human can get, they can get, including crooked teeth! Of course they feel the pain of these ailments, just as we do. But did you know that your pet may actually be a candidate for braces? 

Now, braces are not for every dog or cat...it will depend on their age, type of malocclusion and their ability to tolerate the discomfort of wearing braces, but there are a variety of specialists available out there who practice veterinary dentistry, including canine orthodontics. Expect to pay a lot of money!  Canine dentistry is not cheap.  It may even be more expensive than what we would pay for our own braces!  A good option may be to find a good pet insurance plan and find out if it covers dentistry and orthodontics. Check with your veterinarian.  He or she can probably recommend one.

Keep your pet smiling and happy!!

Bet Ya Didn't Know These Fun Dental Facts!

 More endless research on the internet turned up these interesting trivial facts!

• In the year 1900, the tooth fairy would leave approximately 12 cents. In the year 1998, one dollar. Imagine, at the current rate of inflation....the year 2020...NICE! $$$$$
• You cannot conceal your smoking habit with mouthwash or brushing before a visit! That's right, your dentist knows :) Apparently, the smoke residue seeps into the tissue surrounding your gums....
• You would need to have more than 300 amalgam fillings to even come close to the amount of mercury that is considered dangerous.
• 100 years ago, 50% of adults in North America were toothless!
• The first electric toothbrush was introduced in 1939.
• The antibacterial properties in Black and Green Tea CAN help prevent cavities.
• Chewing gum that contains Xylitol can help prevent cavities by reducing the bad bacteria in your mouth!
• Mouthwashes containing alcohol are only temporarily effective, and the alcohol dries out your mouth.
• Snails have teeth! Thousands of them....
• Turtles are toothless!
• You will get more radiation from an hour in the sun than from a dental x-ray.
• Your dominant hand influences your chewing- righties munch on the right, while lefties savor their bites on the left.
• Ladies smile about 62 times a day, while the gents trail behind with a mere eight daily smirks.
• Just faking a grin can actually calm your heartbeat and ease tension.

One more....this one is great!

• A survey once done by Time Magazine concluded that 59% of Americans would prefer to sit in a dentist's chair than to sit next to someone on a cell phone!

Enjoy, and Keep Smiling!