5 Dental Myths That Could Be Damaging Your Smile

In today’s world, there are more ways than ever for people to share information online. Unfortunately, this also opens the floodgates for misinformation, including trending myths about dental health. If you don’t get your information from a trusted source like your dentist in Akron, OH, you could be risking your oral health, and no one wants that, least of all Marino Dental on Darrow.

1. If nothing hurts, I don’t need a dentist.

A lack of pain doesn’t necessarily mean that all is well. A surprising number of dental problems, including common ones like cavities and gum disease, develop silently and slowly, behind the scenes, so to speak. By the time pain appears, the issue may be advanced and more complex to treat. Regular checkups give your dentist the chance to catch problems early, even before symptoms like pain start.

2. Baby teeth don’t matter—they fall out anyway.

Healthy baby teeth are essential for speech development, proper chewing, and guiding adult teeth into place. Early tooth loss can lead to alignment problems and more complex orthodontic issues later. And something that’s surprising to new parents is that gum disease can happen in very young children, with the potential for baby teeth to rot before they even erupt above the gums.

3. Brushing harder means a better clean.

Brushing with too much pressure can wear down enamel and irritate gums, leading to sensitivity and recession. A soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle technique are far more effective—and safer for your smile.

4. Sugar is the only thing that causes cavities.

While sugar plays a role, cavities are caused by acid-producing bacteria that feed on many types of carbohydrates, including bread, pasta, and fruit. The frequency of snacking and poor brushing habits are just as important as sugar intake.

5. Whitening damages your teeth.

Professional teeth whitening in Akron, OH is safe when done under a dentist’s supervision. Over-the-counter products used excessively or incorrectly can cause problems, but office treatments are designed to minimize risk and sensitivity.

Trusting dental facts over fiction is key to a healthier smile, and your dentist is the only one who won’t feed you trends over truth. Contact us today to book your next appointment and get all your questions answered about oral health.