9 Common Myths About Dental Health

A healthy smile is not only about aesthetics, but also an important indicator of overall well-being. However, many myths still circulate around oral care. Let’s address the most persistent misconceptions, additionally review scientific data, and offer practical advice that is as universal and understandable as possible for residents of any country.

Myth 1: If your teeth do not hurt, you do not need to see a dentist

A symptomless onset is a characteristic feature of cavities and gingivitis. While a person feels no pain, the enamel may already be deteriorating and the gums inflamed. Professionals can detect early changes before they progress to a serious stage, and treatment in the early phase is cheaper and almost painless. Major dental organizations recommend a preventive check-up at least once every six months — this is the “gold standard” for people at average risk of cavities.

Tips

• Schedule a dental appointment every six months, even if everything seems fine.
• Have a panoramic X-ray once a year — it reveals hidden cysts and issues beneath fillings.
• Keep an electronic calendar: set a reminder right after your last check-up.

Myth 2: Dental problems do not affect the function of other organs

Studies show that severe periodontitis almost doubles the risk of ischemic stroke.

Untreated infections in tooth roots sustain chronic inflammation, increase the load on the immune system, and are associated with cardiovascular, renal, and endocrine disorders.

The World Health Organization classifies cavities and gum diseases as global noncommunicable epidemics: more than 3.5 billion people suffer from them, even though most cases are preventable.

Tip

If you are treating hypertension, diabetes, or taking anticoagulants, inform your dentist — the specialist will adjust the treatment plan accordingly.

Myth 3: Losing one or two teeth is not critical

Even a single loss disrupts balance. Adjacent teeth begin to “shift” towards the empty space, and opposing teeth protrude downward or upward. As a result, the bite shifts and the even distribution of chewing load is disturbed, since a person reflexively, without noticing, puts more strain on the remaining teeth.

It is also important to note that tooth loss can cause disturbances in the nervous system’s structure, even affecting the spinal cord stem and the brain cortex. Neurons die and the regulation of internal body functions changes, which can lead to stomach ulcers, gastritis, or hypertension.

Tips

• Consult a prosthodontist within 2–3 weeks after tooth extraction. Modern techniques can restore aesthetics and function with minimal discomfort.
• After extraction, discuss a temporary crown or implant with your specialist even before the socket fully heals. In the case of a single defect, consider an inlay or microprosthesis — they are gentler on adjacent teeth.
• Maintain at least 28 functioning teeth (for adults without wisdom teeth) — this is the minimum number needed for a physiological load on the jawbone.

Myth 4: Periodontosis is treated only by dentists

Many people believe that a disease like periodontosis is treated solely by dentists. This is not entirely true. The cause of this condition may be an internal organ disease, which must be treated first. Of course, a dentist can also help with periodontosis, but if the underlying disease is not addressed, the effect of dental treatment will be short-lived and purely cosmetic.

For diseases like periodontitis and periodontosis, a comprehensive strategy is needed — not only oral cavity rehabilitation but also the management of systemic risk factors (smoking, diabetes, vitamin D deficiency, chronic gastrointestinal diseases, stress).

Tips

• Ask your general practitioner to perform basic blood tests (C-reactive protein, ferritin, fasting glucose) — indicators of chronic inflammation help assess the severity of the process.
• Check your glucose and vitamin D levels, and the condition of your thyroid gland.
• Adjust your diet: eat more fish, greens, and nuts.

Myth 5: Family toothpaste suits everyone

Manufacturers sometimes advertise toothpastes for the whole family. However, there is no such thing as a universal toothpaste.

Firstly, different ages require different toothpaste. For example, children need a smaller amount of paste and a lower fluoride concentration: about 500 ppm up to the age of 6, and up to 1000 ppm from 6 to 12 years old.

Secondly, the choice of toothpaste depends on the condition of the teeth and even on the region of residence. For instance, in areas where drinking water contains a lot of fluoride, fluoride toothpastes are contraindicated. Conversely, in areas with low fluoride levels in water, fluoride toothpastes should be used.

Tips

• Find out the fluoride level in your local tap water on the website of the public utilities or municipality.
• Send a sample of your drinking water to an independent laboratory for quality analysis.
• Consult your dentist when choosing a toothpaste.

Myth 6: If teeth are “bad by heredity,” prevention will not help

Genes do influence enamel mineralization and saliva composition, but the contribution of heredity is estimated at 15–30%. Diet, hygiene, and fluoride access are much more significant.

Tip

Use a simple formula: “2 × 2 × 2” — brush your teeth twice a day, for at least two minutes, using two methods (a brush plus floss or an irrigator).

Myth 7: A feeling of freshness means perfect cleanliness

Menthol merely masks odor but does not remove bacterial plaque. Check your hygiene quality with disclosing tablets: they stain fresh plaque pink and old plaque blue-violet. It is an easy way to spot missed areas.

Tip

Once a week, use a disclosing agent on your teeth to “highlight” blind spots and improve your brushing technique.

Myth 8: Pregnancy “draws” calcium out of teeth

There is a widespread belief that a pregnant woman’s teeth deteriorate because of the growing fetus. Careful studies have shown that it is impossible to extract even a thousandth of the calcium from a mature, erupted tooth, even for such a “noble” cause as forming the baby’s bones.

To develop the child's skeleton, the body mobilizes minerals from bone depots, not from fully formed teeth. The increased risk of cavities is linked to morning sickness (acid softens enamel), changes in diet, and frequent snacking. Additionally, salivation decreases due to hormonal changes.

Tips

• Visit your dentist during the pregnancy planning stage and in the second trimester — this is the safest time for treatment and professional cleaning.
• Rinse your mouth with water after vomiting, but brush your teeth only after 30 minutes, when the enamel’s pH has recovered.

Myth 9: To relieve toothache, you should warm your cheek

A warm compress increases blood flow and may accelerate the spread of infection. Warm (but not scalding) rinses with salt water are much more beneficial: 1 teaspoon of salt per 200 ml of water. Such a solution reduces swelling, flushes out pus, and helps relieve pain.

Dentists note that you can also rinse with any herbs — chamomile, sage, or oak bark.

Tips

• Rinse for 30 seconds up to 3–4 times a day, then return to your usual hygiene routine. If the pain persists for more than a day, see a doctor immediately.
• It is not recommended to sleep on the aching side — by morning, your pillow may make that side of your face swell significantly.

Practical Recommendations for Dental Care

1. Choose a brush with soft or medium bristles. Bristles that are too hard can scratch the enamel and injure the gumline, increasing the risk of recession. American dentists recommend choosing soft or medium and focusing on the technique rather than the force — this allows you to remove the maximum amount of plaque without damaging tissues.
2. Master the Modified Bass Technique. Position the brush at a 45° angle to the gumline so that the bristle tips partially enter the gum sulcus. Small vibratory movements (10–15 “pulses” on one spot) break up the biofilm exactly where gingivitis often starts. Then, make a gentle sweeping motion toward the cutting edge and move on to the next tooth. A full round over all surfaces should last at least two minutes.
3. Replace your toothbrush (or electric brush head) every 3 months. After 12 weeks, the bristles become frayed, lose elasticity, and clean plaque much less effectively; laboratory studies show a significant loss of efficiency by this point. After a cold or flu, it is advisable to replace your brush earlier to avoid reinfection.
4. Reduce “sugar attacks.” Every intake of sweets triggers the "Stephan curve": plaque pH drops below the critical 5.5 mark for about 20–40 minutes, actively dissolving enamel minerals. The more frequent the snacking, the less time saliva has to raise the pH back and start remineralization. Therefore, it is better to eat dessert once at lunch than to “nibble” on candy for an hour.
5. Maintain moisture balance. Saliva is the main buffer: under normal conditions, the body produces up to 0.7 liters per day, washing away acids and supplying teeth with calcium and phosphates. Drink clean water throughout the day, especially after coffee and sweet drinks, to support saliva flow and natural self-cleaning.
6. Use dental floss before bed. A toothbrush cleans only 60% of surfaces; the remaining areas are the contact points between teeth. The American Dental Association recommends cleaning these spaces with traditional floss, interdental brushes, or an irrigator at least once a day. If floss gets stuck, try a flat tape or ultra-thin Teflon floss.
7. Use a mouthwash with 0.05% fluoride. A solution with 230 ppm F strengthens enamel, especially for people with braces, xerostomia, or a high risk of cavities. Rinse 10 ml for one minute and avoid food and drinks for 30 minutes afterward. These products are not recommended for children under 6 years old due to the risk of swallowing and fluorosis.
8. Chew sugar-free gum (preferably with xylitol) after meals. Five to ten minutes of chewing increases saliva production by 10–12 times, neutralizing acids. Xylitol additionally inhibits the growth of Streptococcus mutans; this is why Finland has been distributing xylitol gum in schools for three decades. Limit to three chewing sessions per day to avoid overloading the TMJ.
9. Have a professional Air-Flow cleaning every 6–12 months. A mixture of warm water, air, and erythritol powder gently removes pigment and biofilm above and below the gumline up to 4 mm deep, almost without damaging the enamel. This method is especially beneficial for smokers, patients with implants, and orthodontic systems.
10. Monitor the lifespan of fillings. The average “lifespan” of a composite filling is 8–10 years: over time, the edges develop microleaks, bacteria penetrate into the gaps, and hidden cavities form under the filling. If you notice darkening around the edges, sensitivity, or chipping — visit your dentist before serious tooth tissue destruction occurs.

Some Interesting Facts About Teeth and Their Care

• The first toothbrush with natural bristles appeared in China in the 15th century.
• In the Middle Ages, simple lemons — a source of vitamin C — saved Europeans from scurvy gum disease.
• Dental floss was patented in 1874 by dentist Levi Spear Parmly. Initially, it was made from corset silk.
• Sugar-free gum chewed within 5 minutes after a meal increases saliva flow and reduces acidity to safe levels.
• Tooth enamel is composed of 96% minerals, making it harder than any other human tissue.
• Over a lifetime, we produce more than 20,000 liters of saliva — enough to fill a small swimming pool.
• The pattern of teeth is unique, like fingerprints, which is why dental records are used in forensic science.
• The first electric toothbrush, “Broxodent,” was invented by Swiss doctor Philippe-Guy Woog in 1954 for patients with limited motor skills.
• In Mesopotamia as early as 3500 BC, people used chewing sticks — direct ancestors of the modern toothbrush.
• Finland’s “Smart Habit” program (1992) popularized xylitol gum and helped reduce cavities among schoolchildren.

Oral health is closely linked to the functioning of the heart, brain, and immune system. The first two steps toward reliable protection are simple: properly care for your teeth at home and visit your dentist regularly. Everything else is a variation on this theme. It is all in your hands — and, of course, in the hands of the professionals you should trust without fear or delay.