Often we do not go to the dentist for lack of time, but just as often what holds us back is an idea we have heard for as long as we can remember and never questioned. Some of those beliefs delay appointments that we need and let small problems grow. At Nümia we explain what is true in some of the most common myths about going to the dentist.
“Bleeding gums are normal”
It is common, but it is not normal. Healthy gums do not bleed when you brush or floss. Bleeding is a sign of inflammation, almost always from plaque building up along the gum line, and if it is not treated it can progress until it affects the bone that supports the teeth. When it is treated in good time, the inflammation can usually be reversed with a professional cleaning and good hygiene at home. If you want to know more, at Periodontics we tell you how we care for your gums.
“Brushing harder cleans better”
Quite the opposite. Brushing hard or with a hard-bristled brush wears down the enamel and can make the gums recede, which exposes the root and causes sensitivity. What cleans is technique: short, gentle movements, a soft-bristled brush, enough time and reaching every surface of the teeth. Cleaning between teeth, with floss or interdental brushes, completes what the brush cannot reach.
“Dental cleaning wears down the enamel”
A professional cleaning removes plaque and tartar, which are deposits on the tooth, not the enamel. The instruments used in the dental office are designed for exactly that. What can happen is that you notice your teeth are more sensitive for a couple of days, especially if there was a lot of tartar or the gums were inflamed. That sensitivity is temporary; leaving tartar in place, on the other hand, does damage the gums.
“You can’t go to the dentist during pregnancy”
Not only can you: it is recommended. During pregnancy, hormonal changes make the gums inflame more easily, and a check-up helps keep them healthy. Check-ups and cleanings can usually be done without a problem at this stage, and when a treatment is needed, we adapt it to the stage of the pregnancy and coordinate it with your doctor if necessary. Always tell us at the appointment if you are pregnant or think you might be.
“If I’m missing a tooth that doesn’t show, it doesn’t matter”
Even if it does not show when you smile, a missing tooth has consequences. Over time, the neighboring teeth tend to lean toward the empty space, the tooth opposite can drift down or up because it has nothing to bite against, and the bite changes. That can lead to trouble chewing, wear on other teeth and more difficulty replacing the tooth later. There are several options for replacing a tooth, such as an implant, a bridge or a denture, and at the appointment we explain which one makes sense in your case.
“Going to the dentist always hurts”
Dentistry today is very different from the one many people remember. At the dental office we give local anesthesia carefully and wait for it to take effect, we explain each step before we do it and agree on a signal to pause whenever you need it. For those who feel a lot of anxiety, conscious sedation is an option on request, which we assess with you before the procedure. And the Ritual Nümia is designed so that you arrive calmly and go at your own pace, from the waiting room to the chair.
When to see us
We recommend booking an assessment if:
- Any of these myths has made you put off a check-up.
- You notice bleeding gums, pain or a sensitivity that does not go away.
- A tooth is loose or you are missing a tooth that you have not replaced.
An appointment in good time answers many questions and keeps problems from growing. Write to us and book your assessment at Nümia.
