People who fear dentists or Dental treatments have probably heard of one or more of these misconceptions and such must have affected their perception of the profession.

Setting aside or putting off your much needed dental visits could lead to serious oral health issues which, in the long run, would require more extensive treatment.

To avoid that, allow us to help you get rid of that fear by debunking some of the most common misconceptions about dental treatment.

1. Dental procedures are painful.

One of the most popular reasons why patients fear the dentist and avoid Dental Treatment is because they think all dental procedures are painful.

Well, it’s about time to put this misconception to rest once and for all.

With the advent of general and local anesthesia, most dental treatments are virtually painless. And to make your experience as pleasant and comfortable as possible, the type of anesthesia your dentist will use depends on what procedures you need and how extensive are they going to be.

2. Professional cleaning causes teeth to become loose.

Some loosening of the teeth may be experienced after professional cleaning, if the tooth involved has had heavy tartar deposits around it.

But it is not because of the cleaning itself; rather, it is due to the removal of tartar that basically held the tooth in place. Normally, teeth are supported and held in position by bone.

In severe forms of gum disease, the bone gets destroyed by too much plaque and tartar deposits. As a result, the space it previously occupies gets replaced by these deposits.

Tooth loosening aside, professional cleaning is necessary to allow the bone and gums to recover.

3. Dental braces are for young patients only.

We often see dental braces in kids and young adults, but older patients can have them as well.

Dental problems that require braces are more frequently seen in kids due to the so-called mixed dentition stage, wherein both the primary and permanent teeth are present in the mouth.

But as long you have problems with your bite and teeth alignment, you can have that dental braces no matter what your age is.

4. Pregnant women should avoid dental treatment.

Pregnant women are advised to undergo dental checkups regularly, but the treatment they can undergo depends on what trimester are they in.

In most cases, dental treatments are done during the second trimester but in general, pregnant patients at any trimester may undergo cleaning and restorative treatment.

Procedures that require the use of x-rays must be postponed until after birth unless absolutely necessary.

As for patients, be sure to inform your dentist if you are pregnant to ensure you and your unborn baby’s safety and avoid any problems.

5. Dental visits are not necessary if you’re not having any oral health problems.

Dental visits are advised whether or not you have oral health problems. Cliché as it may sound, but prevention is better than cure.

If you don’t have a tooth that needs to be filled, you must still visit your dentist regularly for checkups and professional cleaning.

This is especially important since dental issues usually are not evident and have no symptoms in their early stages.

Early detection of dental problems can prevent them from getting worse and requiring more advance form of treatment later on. Patients are advised to visit their dentist at least twice a year.

The post Dental Myths – Debunked! Top 5 Misconceptions About Dental Treatment appeared first on Irresistible Smiles.