You can find information across the internet about best oral care practices. It’s a truly interesting time in that we can find anything at any time. However, when it comes to your health, it’s best to partner with a professional. Our Attleboro, Massachusetts dental office provides all aspects of dental care, including helping patients overcome major health issues like missing teeth and advanced gum infections.
A big part of keeping your mouth healthy is education. There is so much information on the internet, and as you know, not everything is accurate. We’ve treated a number of patients who unfortunately followed bad dental advice and later needed substantial dental work to correct their issues. Attleboro Family Dental Care teaches every patient about the essentials of maintaining a healthy mouth. You can call our office today at 508-222-2510 to book a visit.
Today we want to run through some of the dental myths that you might be following. Below are some of the common myths and misconceptions that you’ll want to avoid.
Bleeding gums are not a concern. MYTH
There is nothing normal about bleeding or swollen gums. Just because a problem might be common, doesn’t mean that it’s not a problem. Bleeding gums are the first sign of gum disease, which is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. Gum disease typically starts small, but it can balloon into a larger issue that can spread throughout the mouth and claim teeth. This infection can pull the gums away from the tooth and cause the bone around the tooth to erode. The first stages of gum disease are curable, but the most severe stage of gum disease, periodontitis, is not curable. If you have bleeding or swollen gums, or in-house periodontist, Dr. Badlissi can help you restore your gums and keep your teeth forever.
I don’t snore, so I don’t have sleep apnea. MYTH
While snoring is a common sign of sleep apnea, it is hardly the only sign. Sleep apnea is a problem that occurs whenever you experience pauses in breathing. There are two types of sleep apnea: central sleep apnea and obstructive sleep apnea. We can treat both in our office. Many people with obstructive sleep apnea can be treated with an oral appliance. The appliance pushes the lower jaw forward so you the airway remains open during sleep. In addition to snoring, people with sleep apnea often experience:
- Restless sleep
- Morning headaches
- Waking up with a sore throat or dry mouth
- Forgetfulness or moodiness
- Insomnia
- Sleepy driving
Teeth whitening is harmful. MYTH
Teeth whitening is one of the oldest cosmetic services in dentistry. The bleaching agents we use are safe and do not harm your teeth or gums, though it is important to make sure your teeth and gums are in good health before your whitening procedure. Teeth whitening can lead to some sensitivity in the mouth, but it’s not harmful.
At Attleboro Family Dental Care, we are using high-strength whitening treatments that can improve the brightness of your smile by several shades. We use a custom tray to ensure that your smile is uniform and natural-looking. Our patients are amazed at how a little teeth whitening can transform their smile.
Let Us Guide You in Your Dental Care
We dentists can provide elite services but much of the work comes from you. You need to have a great oral health routine, and you’ll need to have a great dentist to help you. You can start by giving us a call at 508-222-2510 to book your first visit.
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