You have a toothache. Do you rub some crushed aspirin on the affected tooth, or call the dentist?
You love soda. But do soft drinks really ruin your teeth?
You want whiter teeth. Will brushing with baking soda do the trick?
Today, THE SCIENCES OF SMILES is setting the record straight on common dental myths to help patients determine what is fact and what is fiction.
Myth: Crushed aspirin on teeth provides pain relief for a toothache.
Fact: Unfortunately, this popular folk remedy won’t help. Crushing an aspirin on an affected tooth doesn’t provide pain relief—and it even could cause a chemical burn on the soft tissues of the mouth.
Aspirin works by blocking pain only after it is ingested and enters the bloodstream. Crushing an aspirin against your tooth will not allow for a significant amount of the medicine to enter the bloodstream and help relieve the toothache. Instead, call our office for an appointment to determine the cause of your tooth pain.
Myth: Diet soft drinks don’t damage teeth.
Wrong! Drinking large amounts of your favorite carbonated beverages—even the diet varieties—can cause irreversible damage to your teeth. Both regular and diet soft drinks contain high levels of citric acid, which can cause tooth erosion. The acid wears away tooth enamel, making teeth more susceptible to developing cavities, as well as becoming sensitive, cracked, and discolored.
Myth: Brushing with baking soda is a safe, inexpensive way to whiten teeth.
Baking soda is cheap and can indeed help remove surfaces stains on teeth when mixed with equal parts water. However, proceed with caution! With continual use, the abrasiveness of baking soda could wear away tooth enamel, increasing your risk of developing cavities – just like soda. If you want whiter teeth, the best option to receive professional teeth whitening treatment is in a dentist’s office. THE SCIENCE OF SMILES offers a number of cosmetic dentistry options to suit every need and budget.
Good oral health should be a priority in every person’s life. We are committed to providing all patients with thorough care in a gentle, relaxing environment. Please call us if you have questions regarding your oral health routine.We are always ready to help answer your questions.