Cavity Myth 1: Added sugar (like candy and pop) is the only cause of cavities.
False. Natural sugars like those found in fruits and juices can cause tooth decay just as easily as added sugars – the cavity-causing bacteria in your mouth can’t tell the difference.
Cavity Myth 2: If you don’t have toothaches, you don’t have cavities.
False. Most cavities do not cause symptoms until they are quite advanced. Regular dental check ups allow the dentist to detect early signs of decay, so that toothaches and infections can be avoided.
Cavity Myth 3: Treating cavities in baby teeth is unnecessary, since they will just fall out.
False. The first baby teeth fall out around 6-7 years of age, while the baby molars hang around until about 11-12 years of age! Cavities in baby teeth can cause pain and infection just like cavities in permanent teeth. Maintaining your baby teeth in their proper position and function sets up the mouth for the proper eruption and health of the permanent teeth as the child grows.
Cavity Myth 4: Fillings are like tooth shields: they last forever and you won’t get a cavity there in the future.
False. There is no filling material that is as strong as the original tooth once was. Fillings need to be evaluated regularly to ensure that they are holding up to the wear and tear of daily function, and they will eventually need to be replaced. Its also possible to get new decay underneath or around the edges of a filling, as well as on other portions of the tooth.
A healthy diet, brushing twice daily, flossing once a day, and visiting the dentist is a must for healthy teeth and gums. Don’t let any myths get in the way of your dental health.
About Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Specialists of Michigan
Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Specialists of Michigan has specialized in pediatric dentistry and orthodontics since 1968. Our family-friendly and newly renovated office gives patients and families a more comfortable and consistent experience with dentistry from the very beginning. Our pediatric dentists treat children from newborn to 18 years of age while our orthodontists provide care for both children and adults and are proud to be Premier Providers of Invisalign and Invisalign Teen services. We have the ability to treat all patients with compassion and individuality, including those that may have special needs as we have treatment rooms available for children who require additional privacy and customized care options. We pioneered valued hospital affiliations to allow dental services to be performed at DMC Children’s Hospital and St. John Macomb Hospital, when appropriate or necessary, and our specialists are also proud to be on staff at Henry Ford and Beaumont hospitals.
