Other than the tooth fairy, there are many misconceptions about dental care that parents still believe to be true.

• Put an asprin next to a tooth to treat a toothache;

Don’t! It will burn your gums and do nothing for your toothache
 

• George Washington’s wooden teeth were prone to termite infestation;

Don’t believe it! Whilst Washington was an early denture adopter, his false teeth were not made of wood, but merely stained metal and ivory that gave his smile a grainy appearance.

Myths are abound when it comes to dentistry but here are the best ones we have come across:

Myth: Baby teeth all fall out eventually so there is no need for dental care for young children;
Fact: Baby, or primary teeth can decay, become infected and painful, if routine dental care isn't sought early on. Prematurely losing baby teeth (from decay) could cause teeth to drift and block out permanent teeth from growing in. A child's first dental visit should take place by age one where you should be discussing with your Dentist your youngster's diet, hygiene, and oral habits.
 
Myth: Children can’t have gum disease;
Fact: Gum disease is the most dreaded dental complications among adults, but this does not mean your child is not at risk before reaching adulthood. Tooth decay and cavities may just well be the biggest dental problem amongst children, but they can also acquire gum disease if you do not make sure they are practising correct oral hygiene including brushing and flossing.
 
Myth: White teeth are healthy teeth;
Fact: White teeth may cosmetically look better, but our teeth are not meant to be pure white. You can help keep your teeth as white as possible by brushing regularly with a fluoride toothpaste and flossing and avoiding food and drink that can stain teeth such as tea, coffee and red wine.
 
Myth: Fruit juice will not damage my child’s teeth;
Fact: The largest culprit behind tooth decay is sugar! Like drinking soft drink or eating lollies, drinking excessive amounts of fruit juice can put your child at a greater risk of tooth decay.
 
Myth: I’ll need false teeth when I am older;
Fact: Advancements and improvements in dental hygiene mean that more of us are keeping our natural teeth well into old age. In 1968, 37% of adults had no natural teeth. By 1998, that figure had dropped to 12%.
 
Myth: No visible problems mean I am fine;
Fact: This in itself is not a good enough reason to skip your dental reviews. In many cases, only professionally trained Dentists are able to identify oral problems. It is recommended that you see your Dentist ever six months is as essential as is it having your car serviced.
 
Myth: Toothpicks widen the gaps between teeth;
Fact: This is the oldest wives tale we have come across! Using a toothpick to clean your teeth after meals will not widen the gaps between your teeth, however you have to be very careful when using one as they can do nasty damage to your gums and soft tissue in your mouth.
 
The bottom line is, don't let myths guide your family’s dental care.

If you wish to receive professional advice regarding any myths you have heard about dental care or your overall oral hygiene, it is advised that you contact the Wisdom Teeth Professionals in Sydney by giving Dr. Paulo Pinho a call on 1300 217 858.

The information contained in this article is intended to give you general information and it is not intended to replace professional medical advice.

Today, virtually every person who is missing a natural tooth can be a candidate for dental implants.

The broad scope of implant dentistry and the incredibly high success rate of the implant procedure makes this form of tooth replacement a viable option in just about every circumstance.

Even with all of the popularity and encouraging reports regarding implants, how can you be sure that this choice is best for you?

Start by booking a consultation with your Dentist. Your interest and your desire for optimal oral health will be essential during and after the implant procedure.

Your Dentist will want to know that you understand the implant procedure, that you are committed to the process, and that you plan to play an active role in improving your oral health.

The status of your general health will have an influence on the healing process, making it imperative that you are medically cleared for the necessary surgical procedures. All illnesses and health conditions that could impair your ability to heal, including smoking, diabetes and gum disease should be eliminated or properly controlled prior to your surgery.

Next, it is important that there is plenty of healthy bone at the selected implant location. The jawbone should be fully developed (this generally happens by early adulthood), and it should be free from any significant defects or voids. If thin or insufficient bone is identified, an additional bone grafting procedure may be recommended.

Dental x-rays and a clinical evaluation will be performed in order to assess the health of the bone.

Your gum tissue will play a supportive role in the long-term success of your implant. Receding gums and thin gums can be surgically reinforced where necessary in order to provide the appropriate level of protection for your artificial tooth. This technique is known as gingival grafting.

If you desire a complete smile that is as strong and healthy as possible, then you are already on the path to being a suitable dental implant candidate. To learn more about this procedure, call Dr Paulo Pinho at Wisdom Teeth Professionals in Sydney on 1300 217 858.

The information contained in this article is intended to give you general information and it is not intended to replace professional medical advice.