There are many myths about medical treatment and made up hoxes on the side effects. Few medical procedures indeed come with side effects; however, those are applicable to the extreme cases and experimental treatment. Unfortunately, such a misunderstanding takes the form of myths that persist in people’s minds for generations. Therefore, in this blog, World of Smile, a leading dental clinic in Diamond Harbour, West Bengal, have taken the responsibility to demystify some of these misinformations and enlighten you with facts. So, without wasting any time further, let us get started.
Best Dental Clinic in Diamond Harbour Demystifies Tooth Extraction
One of the most common misconceptions is, ‘Does tooth extraction cause eye problems? Well, the answer to that is no! Tooth extraction does not cause any eye problems or reduce vision. This is a common myth or superstition in society, but medical science provides no basis for it. However, telling is not enough; let us explain the real science behind it.
- Different nerves: The nerve responsible for vision (Optic Nerve) and the nerve responsible for tooth pain or sensation (Trigeminal Nerve) are completely separate. There is no direct connection between them.
- Upper jaw teeth: The roots of the upper jaw teeth are located close to the eyes, especially near the sinuses. Because of this, pain in the upper teeth may sometimes feel as though it is spreading towards the eyes. This sensation has led people to believe that tooth extraction can harm eyesight. In reality, there is no relation between tooth extraction and vision.
- Modern dentistry: Dental treatment today is highly advanced. Dentists use local anaesthesia to numb the specific area safely before extraction. This anaesthesia works only in the targeted region and does not affect the eyes.
What Can Actually Damage Your Well-being?
On the contrary, leaving a decayed or infected tooth untreated can allow the infection to spread and cause complications that may affect other parts of the body. Therefore, tooth extraction, when necessary, is safe and should not be feared. But also remember, always consult and undergo treatment under the supervision of a registered dentist, and World of Smile Dental Clinic offers just that!
Misconception About Root Canal Treatment
Another source of misinformation comes from the treatment of root canals. Many believe that root canals are incredibly painful and can cause systemic diseases like cancer or heart disease. However, as you can tell, this is far from the truth, because modern root canals are no more painful than getting a standard filling. The pain people associate with the procedure is actually the infection itself.
Therefore, when someone is going through the treatment. The dentist will make use of local anaesthetics (like Lidocaine) block the sodium channels in your nerve membranes. This will prevent pain signals from reaching the brain. Thus, the process will be painless and will have nothing to do with cancer or heart disease.
Furthermore, the belief that root canals lead to illness originated from a study by Dr Weston Price in the 1920s, which asserted that “trapped bacteria” within the tooth were responsible for systemic diseases. This claim has been thoroughly disproven. Numerous peer-reviewed studies have found no connection between root canals and cancer.
Moreover, leaving an infection untreated is what truly poses a significant risk to your heart and immune system. A root canal procedure consists of cleaning, disinfecting, and sealing the canal with gutta-percha, which is a biocompatible thermoplastic material. Thus, the treatment is not the issue, but not opting for the treatment is.
Best Dental Clinic in Diamond Harbour Unveils the Truth of Teeth Whitening
Many people believe that whitening their teeth “strips away” or thins their enamel. This is a common misconception that stems from the procedure. However, you have to take into account that the usage of chemicals is usually not harmful. It depends on what kind of chemical is used to whiten the teeth. Dentists do not make use of abrasive chemicals that are actually harmful.
In particular, professional whitening involves the use of Hydrogen Peroxide or Carbamide Peroxide. These substances are oxidising agents that penetrate both the enamel and dentin. Rather than “sanding” down the tooth, they work by breaking the double bonds of stain molecules, known as chromophores, through a process called oxidation.
Furthermore, whitening agents work by temporarily opening the microscopic pores (tubules) in your enamel to penetrate deeper stains. This process may cause short-term sensitivity because the fluid in these tubules can stimulate the nerves. Fortunately, your saliva naturally remineralises these pores with calcium and phosphate within 24 to 48 hours, helping to restore the enamel’s integrity.
Best Dental Clinic in Diamond Harbour Corrects Orthodontics or Braces-Related Misinformation
Even in this day and age, many still believe that Braces cause tooth decay and permanently weaken the roots of your teeth. However, the fact is that Braces do not cause decay, but biofilm (plaque) does. The brackets and wires create “nooks and crannies” that make mechanical cleaning more difficult. If a patient doesn’t clean these areas, the bacteria Streptococcus mutans ferments carbohydrates into lactic acid, which demineralises the enamel.
On the other hand, Orthodontic treatment involves applying forces that trigger a biological process known as bone remodeling. This process typically does not significantly weaken the roots of the teeth. When pressure is applied, osteoclasts break down the bone, while osteoblasts rebuild it in areas where tension occurs. If teeth are moved too quickly, there may be minor “root blunting,” but this is monitored through X-rays and rarely impacts the long-term health of the tooth. Therefore, as long as you receive treatment at a reputable dental clinic, there’s no need to worry.
Why World of Smile Dental Clinic is the Right Place to be At?
Over a decade, World of Smile Dental Clinic has been helping patients to overcome dental treatment-related fears with facts. Our dentists follow world-class standard procedures that ensure you will receive the best treatment. We have been incorporating modern advances in the field of oral care in our own practice. Which means our patients can expect to receive the modern methodology of dental treatment.
Our mission is to provide dental services that make the lives of our patients better. Whether it is through small procedures like filling, RTC or advanced treatments like smile design, Oral Cancer Surgery, Facial Skin Whitening, etc. As the best dental clinic in Diamond Harbour, it is our responsibility to make the smiles of people in West Bengal, India and foreign countries brighter.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are a lot of misconceptions about dental treatment that, unfortunately, hold people back from getting necessary treatment. Such misinformations are not limited to a few of these instances, but there are also many more, whose scope of discussion is beyond this blog. However, as stated before, it is the responsibility of the best dental clinic in Diamond Harbour to demystify such unfounded claims. Therefore, if you have made it this far, we hope some of the concerns you had have been dissolved by World of Smile Dental Clinic.
FAQs
- My gums bleed when I brush—is that normal?
- Healthy gums should not bleed during brushing or flossing. Bleeding indicates gingivitis, an inflammation due to plaque buildup. Bacteria near the gumline trigger an immune response, causing tenderness and bleeding. Regular cleaning can usually resolve this in 7–10 days.
- Is it only sugar that causes cavities?
- Sugar is a primary fuel source, but it’s the acid from bacteria like Streptococcus mutans that dissolves enamel. These bacteria convert fermentable carbohydrates, including healthy starches, into lactic acid. Acidic drinks can also lower the mouth’s pH below 5.5, leading to enamel demineralisation without sugar.
- Can I inherit ‘soft teeth’ from my parents?
- Genetics have a minor influence on tooth shape and enamel thickness, but “soft teeth” is mostly a myth. People often inherit habits and bacteria from their family that contribute to cavities. Most tooth decay is caused by environmental factors rather than genetics.
- Are dental X-rays risky because of radiation?
- The risk is very low. Modern dental X-rays use targeted beams and fast sensors to reduce exposure. For example, a standard set of four bitewing X-rays gives about 0.005 mSv of radiation, similar to the background radiation from a 2-hour flight or from eating 50 bananas.