10 Common Dental Myths Debunked – Sorting Fact From Fiction

10 Common Dental Myths Debunked – Sorting Fact From Fiction

TL;DR A lot of falsehoods surrounding dentist visits stick around simply because they’re repeated often enough. Most of them fall apart the second you compare them to what dentists actually see.

Most of us grow up hearing the same stories about what happens at dentists in Manchester, and because we don’t know better, we believe them. Some are passed by word of mouth, while others get spread online. The problem is, if you listen to them too closely, you put your teeth at risk.

For instance, a recent survey found that 6 out of every 10 adults think you should always rinse your mouth immediately after brushing, when leaving the toothpaste on your teeth actually gives you better fluoride protection.

So, you see, it’s all about who you listen to, and in this article, we’ll be looking at ten of the most common falsehoods about dentists you should be aware of, and indeed, where they’re getting things wrong.

Myth 1 – If I’m not in pain, I don’t need to see a dentist

Truth: A lot of people assume pain is the only sign that something’s wrong, so they skip their regular examination/”>dental check-ups for years. As experienced dentists in Manchester will tell you, decay, gum disease and damage can all happen without you knowing. No pain. No sign anything’s wrong.

Regular check-ups are the only surefire way for your dentist to catch issues early. That way, when something is picked up, the treatment is usually less invasive, much less painful and cheaper.

Myth 2 – If my gums bleed at the hygienist, it means they’ve been too rough.

Truth: We hear this all the time, as people assume that when their gums bleed after their hygienist appointment, too much force has been used. The reality is that it usually happens because the gums are already inflamed.

Healthy gums don’t bleed easily, but gums affected by plaque or early gum disease do, even with gentle cleaning. The appointment isn’t causing the problem; it’s revealing it.

Myth 3 – Dentists say you need fillings just to make money.

Truth: When a dentist in Manchester suggests treating decay early, people sometimes incorrectly assume that any work done is ‘over the top’ or ‘just done to make money’. However, in practice, that couldn’t be further from the truth.

Small cavities don’t hurt and often look minor on the surface, but once decay reaches the dentine, it spreads more quickly. Treating it early means a tiny filling. Leaving it might mean a bigger composite filling, then a dental crown, then possibly even a root canal.

Dentists recommend fillings to avoid expensive treatment later, not to create it. They’re actually saving you a lot of time, trouble and pain further down the line.

Myth 4 – If my gums are receding, brushing less will stop it.

Truth: Patients often assume receding gums mean they’ve brushed too hard, so they back off or avoid the area entirely. That actually speeds up the problem.

Recession is usually caused by inflammation, plaque buildup or a combination of the two. Not brushing properly allows more irritation, which pushes the gums back further. That’s why your dentist will tell you to brush the area gently but consistently, not to avoid doing so altogether.

Myth 5 – Teeth whitening damages your enamel.

Truth: A lot of people assume professional whitening weakens the teeth because they’ve heard stories about “stripping enamel.” Professional whitening doesn’t do that at all, in any way, shape or form.

Instead, it works by lifting stains from inside the tooth using a controlled gel that your dentist monitors throughout treatment. Enamel isn’t removed, thinned or scratched in the process.

The real problems come from cheap, unregulated kits or salons using whitening gels they shouldn’t be using. Those products can irritate the gums or cause sensitivity, whereas dentist-led whitening is controlled and safe.

Myth 6 – X-rays are dangerous – they make you ill

Truth: Patients often worry about radiation, especially if they’ve had medical scans in the past. The thing is, while radiation is present during dental X-rays, it’s always an extremely small dose. In fact, it’s so low that you’re exposed to more of it just going about your day.

Also, without X-rays, it’s far harder for dentists in Manchester to spot problems before they cause you pain. When you say no to X-rays, you’re greatly increasing the chances of little issues becoming much bigger ones.

Myth 7 – Once you have gum disease, there’s nothing you can do.

Truth: People hear “gum disease” and assume it’s permanent, but early stages are fully treatable with a hygienist-led cleaning routine and good home care.

Even more advanced cases can be stabilised with gum disease treatment, so that things stop getting worse. Dentists and hygienists measure pocket depths, remove the bacteria that trigger inflammation and show you how to clean properly.

The key here isn’t perfection, it’s consistency. Gum disease isn’t a lost cause; it just needs ongoing attention that your dentist will happily help you with.

Myth 8 – You can’t get dental treatment if you have a cold sore.

Truth: Cold sores are painful and contagious, but most routine dental treatment can still go ahead. The only time dentists might postpone an appointment is if the cold sore is so sore it makes it difficult to open your mouth comfortably, or if the treatment involves stretching the lip area, which can make it worse.

The important thing to know is that it isn’t an automatic cancellation when you have one. Your dentist in Altrincham will typically decide based on comfort and safety.

Myth 9 – Root canals are extremely painful.

Truth: This is a common dental myth that refuses to die, usually because people confuse the pain of the infection with the treatment itself.

Modern root canal treatment is done under effective local anaesthetic, and most patients describe it as similar to having a filling. The aim is to remove the source of the pain, not add to it.

Once the nerve is cleaned and sealed, the tooth settles, and the relief is usually immediate. Ask anyone who’s had a root canal recently, and they’re likely to tell you that it’s not nearly as bad as they were expecting.

Myth 10 – Dentists remove teeth too quickly instead of trying to save them.

Truth: Patients sometimes worry that extraction is offered too fast, especially if the tooth still “feels fine” to them. What you must remember is that the Ringway team is staffed by highly experienced dentists bound by GDC standards that cover things like ethics and the need to always work with a patient-first approach.

We’ll only ever recommend extraction as a last choice and when keeping the tooth might lead to repeated infections, more pain or more costly treatment later.

Ringway Dental – Your Source of Honest, Dependable Advice

People hear a lot of mixed advice about dental treatment, and it isn’t always clear what’s true. If something you’ve been told doesn’t quite add up or you’re worried it might affect your own teeth, we’re here to talk it through.

You never need to feel awkward about asking questions at Ringway Dental, and you’ll always get a clear, honest answer from the team. We’ve heard all the same rumours, so we have absolutely no problem helping you tell fact from fantasy.

So, if you’d like reassurance about your oral health or simply want to book yourself in, just get in touch with the team today. We’re here to help whenever you need us.

More FAQs About Dental Myths

Q – Is it true that you shouldn’t get dental work done if you’ve got a cold or a mild virus?

A – No. Most routine treatment can still go ahead unless you’re too congested to lie back comfortably or you have a fever. People often cancel unnecessarily because they believe it’s unsafe, but dentists handle this on a case-by-case basis.

Q –  Is it a myth that dental injections always hurt more in the upper front teeth?

A –  This has some truth to it. Sensitivity varies from person to person, but it can be one of the most delicate areas to be injected. It might not hurt you, but it could be painful for someone else.

That said, our dentists use numbing gel and slow injections to keep discomfort minimal, so it’s likely to be much gentler than you’ve been told.

Q – Do dentists charge more for private treatment because it’s ‘better quality’?

A – No, and here’s why. The difference usually boils down to available appointment times and different materials. Overall, the standard of care is exactly the same, so to say private treatment is better is hugely oversimplified.

Q – Is it true that metal fillings are unsafe because they contain mercury?

A – No. This myth is an oldie, but modern dental amalgam (what people call mercury fillings) is stable once it’s set and has been used safely for decades. The idea that they’re toxic for you is wide of the mark.

Dentists in Manchester only replace old metal fillings if they’re worn, cracked or no longer sealing properly, never just because they contain mercury.

Q – Can a dentist in Manchester ‘fix’ bad breath permanently?

A – No, and this misconception is common. Dentists can treat gum disease or decay that contributes to bad breath, but daily cleaning habits, diet and dry mouth play the biggest roles. There’s no single permanent procedure that removes it.

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