Common Dental Myths Debunked

Facts About Dental Myths

With the magnitude of information available to us these days, it’s harder than ever to separate facts from myths; especially when it comes to your health. There are a million dental related myths that might steer you in the wrong direction when it comes to a healthy smile. It’s important to be informed and know the facts. Here are a few common dental myths, followed by the facts.

Oral Hygiene Only Affects Your Teeth

Many people hear the phrase “oral hygiene” and they think of the simple act of brushing or flossing. While oral hygiene is important for keeping your teeth healthy, poor oral hygiene can be linked to several other health problems- including heart disease. Taking care of your mouth actually means taking care of a lot of things within your body. Untreated periodontal disease contributes to more low birth weight babies than both drinking and smoking combined.  Having poor oral hygiene can cause a multitude of problems- not all of them related to your teeth.

You Shouldn’t Get Your Wisdom Teeth Out Until They Start to Hurt

Typically, it’s always better to be safe than sorry, and your dentist will generally advise you of the same. If you wait for your wisdom teeth to become painful, they might have already done other damage to your gums or teeth. Many people believe that as long as they have no pain, there’s no reason to have an unnecessary surgery. In rare cases, wisdom teeth can stay intact as long as they are not interfering or causing damage. One of the most common reasons to remove wisdom teeth is because they are so difficult to keep clean and rather than incurring costly repairs to those teeth many dentists will suggest having them removed.  Frequent exams are necessary in this case to monitor and maintain your health. It’s generally better to have your wisdom teeth removed before any pain, rather than take the gamble.

White Teeth Are Healthier Teeth

Teeth are actually not meant to be pure white. Tooth color can vary widely, for example, depending on your race, pigmentation varies greatly.  Also, as you get older, your teeth will naturally take on a more faded color as things do with time, however they can still be perfectly healthy. A color beyond a light yellow could be cause for concern, but generally the pinkness of your gums is a better indication of oral health as opposed to how white your teeth are.

If Teeth Look Healthy, and Are Not Hurting, There is No Reason to Visit a Dentist

The most common mistake people make regarding their dental health is skipping regular preventive visits because they do not see or feel any problems. Even in the absence of a visible problem or discomfort, regular visits for x-ray exams, cleaning and necessary restorative care are necessary to maintain your teeth and gums for life. Discovering diseases in the mouth earlier rather than later will typically reduce cost, recovery time and severity of dental treatment that may need to be performed.

It’s important to educate yourself on the facts surrounding whole body health and well-being. Muddled information and common misperceptions can leave people confused. The best way to combat myths and augment dental health is to see and speak with your dentist regularly. Have open dialogue and productive conversations about what is and is not true. Being informed, savvy and educated will keep you and your dentist smiling.

Dr. Steven Goldy & Associates

416 N. Bedford Drive Ste 409
Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Phone: 310-550-1511

A Healthy Framework For A Beautiful Smile Making Smart Choices in Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic Dentistry 

A beautiful smile is an essential part of looking good these days. Wanting to look your best is one thing, but feeling secure in the knowledge that you have a perfectly healthy mouth as well is even more important. Beyond improving your appearance, cosmetic dentistry has the unique advantage of being able to improve your overall health.

Dental Health 

According to the Surgeon General, our dental health contributes to serious health problems including heart disease, lung disease, diabetes and low birth weight in babies. Many people have historical dental work that is compromising their oral health. Others have worn their teeth to the point that their bite is causing symptom of "TMJ," such as headaches, muscle pain, and even dizziness.

Top cosmetic dentists address these problems first. Before you add porcelain crowns or veneers, a full evaluation of your oral health must be done. If the cosmetic dentist does not do a full examination and evaluation of your dental health before you start to talk about the cosmetic work, get out of there fast! Without this step, you could find yourself with serious health problems down the line. Not to mention an investment in a smile with little to support it over time.

Cosmetic dentistry should never be about an aesthetic "quick fix." It's about being the best you can be and when you leave old health issues unhandled and simply cover them up with porcelain veneers or other cosmetic dentistry methods, you’re headed for trouble.

What are the oral health issues that have to be taken into account and handled before starting cosmetic dentistry?

To Be Filled in With Dr. Goldy:

Healthy gums

Decayed teeth

Missing teeth

Old dental work/ Destructive broken down filling

Impression taken, if needed

Photographs taken for imaging

Evaluation and Diagnosis

A complete evaluation and diagnosis should be done and a full treatment plan devised that addresses both your oral health and aesthetic concerns.

Cosmetic and restorative dentistry has to be done in phases:

If you are young and healthy with no decay, and you have been taking good care of your teeth with regular cleanings, you can probably go straight to cosmetic dentistry.

The more extensive your dental history, and the more time has elapsed since you last saw a dentist, the more likely it is that you will need to address basic health issues first.

If you have started thinking about having cosmetic dentistry done, you're already on the path of wanting to look your best. Don't sell yourself short. Make this a choice to take the very best possible care of your physical appearance and your long term health. Find a cosmetic dentist in your area who will do all the work necessary to create a healthy framework for your beautiful smile. 

Steven Goldy, DDS

Creating Confident Smiles

416 N. Bedford drive, suite 409

Beverly Hills, CA  90210

310-550-1511

www.stevengoldydds.com