In one of our previous blogs, we talked about dental myths among the patients. Here is the second part of the blog.
Myth No 5. “Diet sodas are okay to drink because they don’t have sugar in them.”
Truth: Though diet sodas don’t have cavity-causing sugars in them, they still are highly acidic. Our mouth has acid-loving bacteria that contribute to cavities. Diet sodas have a pH level of about 2-3, while water is neutral at a pH level of 7. The acid in diet soda eats away the enamel (the outer protective layer of our tooth surface) causing tooth sensitivity. Some people tend to slowly sip their sodas throughout the day, which is actually more hazardous. Every time you take a sip, the bacteria in your mouth begins to work with the acid and attack your enamel. It takes about 20 minutes for your mouth to neutralize that acid again and each time you sip that 20-minute attack starts over.
Besides soda, other acidic beverages like orange juices, citrus juices, etc. can also cause similar damage. The healthiest alternatives to keep your body hydrated are water, vegetable juice, and milk.
Myth no 6. “Oral health is not connected to the rest of the body.”
Truth: Your oral health is connected to your systemic (overall) health and there are many correlations between your mouth and body. A mouth with severe tooth decay and periodontal disease is more likely to cause bacteria to enter into the bloodstream and result in other health issues. Studies have found a link between periodontal disease and heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and more. Learn more in our blog post about oral health and heart health.
Myth no 7. “My teeth are unhealthy because I’m aging.”
Truth: Aging is not an automatic factor in deteriorating oral health. Those who take care of their teeth during their childhood and adult years will still have healthy teeth in their senior years. Similarly, just because you are young doesn’t mean your teeth will be healthy. We have seen plenty of cases in our dental office where patients in their 20s and 30s have such severe dental decay that they have to rely on dentures and bridges. In general, oral hygiene is important no matter your age, so be sure to brush and floss throughout your entire life to keep your mouth healthy.
Conclusion: Be Proactive About Your Dental Care
We encourage you to be proactive in keeping your teeth healthy. Putting off regular dental check-ups will likely lead to problems. A little time invested each day can save you countless hours of trouble – not to mention money – in the future.
If you’re experiencing problems or have questions about your oral health, request an appointment and we will help you to keep your oral health in optimal shape!
