Gentle Care Family Dentistry: Marieve Rodriguez DMD Dentist Wilmington Delaware

As a local family dentist, Dr. Rodriguez DMD is asked questions about oral health, many of which arise from common dental myths. While it is perfectly normal for myths to circulate, some can be dangerous for your oral health, making it important to visit our office with any questions you may have. Otherwise, you could be accidentally endangering your teeth. We are experts and know how to keep your teeth and gums healthy, so visit our office instead of trying to diagnose or treat yourself at home.

Myth #1: Whitening teeth with lemons is okay.

The Truth – We are concerned about the rise in the number of people willing to try and whiten their teeth at home, unsupervised. Lemons are high in acid and can indeed help brighten your teeth. They can also erode your enamel, making it dangerous to put lemon directly on your teeth. Since each person is born with a limited amount of enamel, losing it can make your teeth sensitive, both now and in the future. Fortunately, there is no need to use lemons at home when you can visit our dental office for a teeth whitening.

Myth #2: Sugar from juice is not bad for your teeth.

The Truth – As a local dentist, Dr. Rodriguez DMD reminds patients that sugar in all forms is bad for your teeth. Bacteria live in your mouth without causing harm most of the time. It will, however, colonize the teeth, and the more sugar and starch you eat or drink, the more likely this is to become a problem. Children have a particularly hard time with this because they often go to bed with a bottle of milk or a cup of juice. This sugar can create cavities that are uncomfortable for your child. While we can always fix the oral health problems of patients, we would prefer to help prevent cavities from forming in the first place.

Myth #3: If your gums are bleeding, you should avoid brushing them.

The Truth – If your gums are bleeding, you could have gum disease, and you should schedule an appointment with Dr. Rodriguez DMD. At our dentist office, we will clean your teeth and gums to remove any plaque that has gathered there. Gum disease is most often caused by a buildup of plaque and tartar under the gums, causing them to become inflamed, bloody, and irritated. This is why it is necessary to watch out for bleeding gums, clean them anyway, and call us to schedule a dental appointment. Since gum disease is a leading cause of adult tooth loss, this is not something that you want to take for granted.

Myth #4: Flossing is optional.

The Truth – If you want to prevent gum disease, flossing is the best thing you can do. The myth of it not being necessary was likely perpetuated by someone who hated to floss. If this is you, buy a flossing tool and use it instead of the flossing string. It is easier to hold and far more convenient.