We may only now be realizing how much our dental health can impact our overall health in various ways. You might have spent a significant amount of time building up a wellness routine for yourself to help keep yourself healthy, preparing each defense like a king or queen in a castle. Our mouth could very well be the gateway through which things could slip through your defenses. Today, we want to take a look at some myths that exist about dental health so that you can better take care of yourself.

Sugar causes the most cavities

Not necessarily. While sugar can definitely play a role in tooth decay, acids may play a bigger part. Bacteria naturally live in your mouth and when you eat carbohydrates or sugar, it can combine with it to make a plaque, which then produces acid. The acid, if allowed to remain in your mouth, can erode your enamel and cause all kinds of problems.

Gum disease isn’t that common

Unfortunately, it is all too common. An estimated 47 percent of adults, over the age of 30, may have a form of gum disease. Some of them may be unaware of it, however.

If you have diabetes, you will get gum disease

While diabetes could make you more susceptible to gum disease, it does not mean that you will get it. If you do have diabetes, you may need to be extra vigilant when caring for your teeth and gums, but you could still have a smile as healthy as anyone else’s.

Bad breath is a sure sign of gum disease

Although it could be an indication of gum disease, it could also point to other potential problems. One way to be certain is to see Dr. Mike Christensen for an examination and cleaning.

If you’re pregnant you can ignore bleeding gums

Some women could experience something called “pregnancy gingivitis,” but not all women experience this. Throughout your pregnancy, you should maintain your dental hygiene routines of brushing and flossing, and you may want to schedule additional cleanings at Merit Dental.

If you would like more information on how you can protect your dental health in Orem, Utah, please feel free to set up a consultation by calling us at 801-375-9511. We would love to hear from you.