One of the most important things that our Elmhurst dentists do here in our office is to educate patients about oral health. We have found that when our patients understand what is happening inside their mouths, they are able to make better decisions to maintain oral health. So, keep reading to learn more from our Elmhurst dentists about some commonly repeated dental myths.
“Cosmetic treatment weakens your teeth”
This misunderstanding has persisted throughout the years, even as aesthetic dentistry has continued to improve and progress. The truth is that our dental team only uses cosmetic treatments that uphold and improve dental health. Restorative materials, like dental resin and porcelain, are designed to work in concert with your natural dental structure. Professional whitening treatments deliver dramatic results without damaging enamel, even for those patients with sensitive teeth.
When you meet with our dental team, we’ll be able to review all of your aesthetic treatment options. We’ll walk you through the treatment processes, and how these technologies work. You absolutely do not need to sacrifice oral health in order to get a stunning smile.
“If my gums are bleeding I should let them heal before flossing again”
It may seem natural that, when you see blood, you should leave that area alone so that it can heal. However, this is not always the case when it comes to gum tissue. When patients who have fallen out of the habit of flossing start cleaning between their teeth, they will likely notice bleeding gum tissue. This type of bleeding isn’t too concerning; you actually want to continue flossing daily to rehabilitate your gums. As your gums get healthier the bleeding will subside.
Now, if you have been flossing regularly for weeks or months, and the bleeding has not let up, it’s time to talk to your dental team. You may be dealing with periodontal disease that is advanced enough to require professional treatment.
If you have a dental question that we have yet to address, please reach out to our Elmhurst dentists by phone or through our Contact Us page. We look forward to speaking with you!