April is Dental Month
April is Oral Health Awareness Month and Oral Cancer Awareness Month and we are celebrating! Here at Yaletown Laser and Cosmetic Dentistry we are truly passionate about your oral health and want to help you achieve your healthiest and most beautiful smile. Make 2014 the year you go for what you need and deserve!
There are plenty of misconceptions people have about their oral health. Below are the top 3 myths people believe:
Myth #1: When brushing and flossing your teeth, a little bit of bleeding is normal, or your gums have always bled a little or felt tender.
Truth: Healthy gums DO NOT bleed or feel sore. If you have bleeding gums or see “pink in the sink”, you may have a gum infection that needs to be checked by a dentist or hygienist. Unfortunately, gum disease does not go away on its own. When you visit us at Yaletown we can help you not only treat your gum concerns but help you prevent gum issues before they get worse.
Myth #2: Your teeth or gums don’t hurt so there is no need to visit the dentist.
Truth: Gum disease, tooth decay, and tissue abnormalities, such as oral cancer, don’t always hurt. When you see us for regular check-ups and hygiene appointments, we can detect and prevent problems before they become much bigger and are more difficult and costly to treat. Prevention is always preferable to treating disease. We are able to detect minor changes in your mouth with special tools, such as VELscope– a light that helps to show tissue changes in the mouth not normally detectable with the naked eye. Oral cancer is a growing problem and early detection is key.
Myth #3: You don’t need to floss every day because you don’t have food stuck in between your teeth, or you’ve never had a cavity.
Truth: Your Dental Hygienist and Vancouver dentist recommend cleaning between your teeth and below your gums to prevent gum infections as well as cavities. Yes, floss does help remove food from between your teeth, but your brush never reaches between your teeth to remove plaque. Plaque is sticky bacteria and bacteria is anaerobic, meaning it hates oxygen and will hide under the gum line and between the teeth. When left too long, the bacteria can break down healthy gum tissue and bone. Your gums and bones are the supporting structures that hold your teeth in place; gum disease or periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss. It is also the leading cause of bad breath. Regular preventative dental care appointments help you manage a healthy mouth for life. Remember to floss the teeth you want to keep!