In dentistry, we often find that what people think they know can be just as important as what they don’t. Over the years, several dental myths have taken hold—some harmless, others potentially damaging. At Blue Ocean Dentistry, we believe education is one of the most important tools for protecting your smile. The more you know, the better you can take care of your oral health.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common dental myths we hear and why believing them could lead to bigger problems down the road.
Dental Myth 1: “If It Doesn’t Hurt, It Must Be Fine”
Pain isn’t the only indicator that something is wrong. In fact, many dental issues, like cavities, gum disease, or even infections, can progress quietly without causing any immediate discomfort.
By the time pain appears, the problem may already be serious enough to require extensive treatment. Regular exams and cleanings allow us to spot trouble early—before you ever feel a thing. We encourage all our patients in Glendora and beyond to stay proactive. Preventive care is always easier (and less expensive) than treating advanced issues later.
Myth 2: “Baby Teeth Don’t Matter”
Some parents think baby teeth aren’t important because they eventually fall out. The truth is that baby teeth play a crucial role in a child’s development. They:
Hold space for permanent teeth
Help with speech development
Support proper chewing and nutrition
Influence jaw and facial growth
Neglecting baby teeth can lead to infections, alignment problems, and even damage to adult teeth that haven’t erupted yet. Early dental care sets the stage for a lifetime of good oral hygiene and healthy smiles.
Myth 3: “Brushing Harder Gets Teeth Cleaner”
It’s a common misconception that applying more pressure will lead to cleaner teeth. Brushing too hard can cause:
Gum recession
Enamel wear
Tooth sensitivity
The key to effective brushing lies in technique, not force. We recommend using a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle circular motions. It’s not about scrubbing—it’s about thoroughly removing plaque without damaging your gums or enamel.
During regular visits, we’re always happy to demonstrate proper brushing techniques to help protect your teeth for the long haul.
Dental Myth 4: “You Only Need to See the Dentist When Something Feels Wrong”
Waiting until you have pain, swelling, or other obvious symptoms usually means missing the early, more treatable stages of dental problems.
Routine visits help us detect issues like cavities, gum disease, and even early signs of oral cancer before symptoms develop. Twice-yearly cleanings and exams are the foundation of good oral hygiene.
At our Glendora office, we customize preventive care schedules based on each patient’s needs. Some may need more frequent checkups, especially if they have a history of gum disease or other risk factors.
Myth 5: “Sugar Is the Only Cause of Cavities”
While sugar certainly feeds cavity-causing bacteria, it’s not the only factor. Cavities form when oral bacteria produce acid that breaks down tooth enamel. This process can be fueled by:
Sugary foods and drinks
Starchy foods (like bread and chips)
Acidic beverages (like soda and energy drinks)
Poor oral hygiene habits
Dry mouth (lack of saliva)
Good oral hygiene, a balanced diet, and regular dental care are all important for preventing decay—not just cutting back on sweets.
Dental Myth 6: “If My Gums Bleed, I Should Stop Flossing”
Bleeding gums are often a sign of inflammation, usually caused by plaque buildup along the gumline. Stopping flossing can make the problem worse, not better.
With consistent, gentle flossing, the inflammation typically improves within a few days to a couple of weeks. If bleeding persists, it’s important to visit a dentist in Glendora for a full evaluation. Persistent gum bleeding could indicate early-stage gum disease (gingivitis) that needs professional attention.
Flossing daily remains one of the most important steps for maintaining healthy gums and preventing long-term oral health problems.
Myth 7: “Teeth Whitening Damages Your Enamel”
Professional teeth whitening treatments, when done correctly, are safe and effective. The products we use at Blue Ocean Dentistry are specially formulated to brighten teeth without weakening enamel.
However, over-the-counter products, particularly if overused, can cause sensitivity or irritation. It’s always best to consult with a dentist before starting any whitening regimen to ensure your approach is both safe and tailored to your specific needs.
Myth 8: “You Can Fix a Tooth Problem with Home Remedies”
The internet is full of do-it-yourself dental advice, from charcoal toothpaste to homemade whitening kits. Unfortunately, many of these “remedies” do more harm than good:
Charcoal products can be too abrasive and wear down enamel.
Home whitening recipes using lemon juice can erode enamel due to high acidity.
Ignoring dental pain in favor of herbal treatments can allow infections to spread.
Your teeth and gums are too important to leave to trial and error. We always recommend professional care when it comes to protecting and improving your oral health.
Dental Myth 9: “Older Adults Don’t Need to Worry About Their Teeth”
Good oral hygiene remains important at every age. Older adults face unique dental challenges, including:
Increased risk of gum disease
Tooth loss
Dry mouth from medications
Oral cancer
Regular dental visits help manage these risks and maintain quality of life. Whether you’re 8 or 88, a healthy mouth supports overall health, nutrition, and confidence.
At Blue Ocean Dentistry, we tailor our care to every stage of life, helping patients maintain strong, healthy smiles well into their senior years.
Setting the Record Straight
Misinformation about dental health can lead to serious consequences if left unchecked. That’s why we believe patient education should be a central part of every visit.At Blue Ocean Dentistry, we’re committed to helping you navigate the myths, understand the facts, and make informed choices about your oral hygiene. Your smile deserves nothing less.
If you have questions about any aspect of your dental health—or if it’s been a while since your last visit—we’re here to help. Let’s work together to keep your teeth healthy, strong, and bright for years to come.
About Dr. Fred Wong of Blue Ocean Dentistry in Glendora, California
Dr. Fred Wong and the staff at Blue Ocean Dentistry use the latest available dental treatments, and materials. Everything we use makes a marked difference in our patients’ experiences. We help our patients achieve optimal dental health. We creatively combine dental science and artistry — which can literally redesign your smile. Since even a subtle change in your smile will help you to project self-confidence and high self-esteem, we love helping you feel good about yourself. We deliver the finest dental care at the most reasonable cost and accept most dental insurance plans as well as CareCredit. For more about the dental treatment plans we offer or to schedule an appointment, call today (626) 852-6999.
