The internet is full of fun facts, but it can also house a wealth of false information. This can be especially dangerous when it comes to healthcare knowledge. Dentists often find themselves answering questions from confused patients who have read something erroneous online. Read on to find out which oral health misconceptions dentistry professionals would love to clear up once and for all.

Dentists Debunk 5 Common Oral Health Misconceptions

1. X-Rays Don’t Cause Cancer

Some patients are fearful of getting dental X-rays, thinking they cause cancer, but the amount of radiation is so minimal—it’s essentially the same as sitting in the sun for an hour. Don’t skip the X-ray, which is an effective tool for diagnosing an array of dental issues, from cavities to incoming wisdom teeth.

2. Gum Isn’t All Bad

Some patients shy away from chewing gum, thinking it can contribute to dental health issues. In fact, chewing sugarless gum can enhance saliva production. This helps to keep bad bacteria that causes cavities at bay. Chomping on six to seven pieces of xylitol sugar substitute gum per day can help prevent decay.

3. Baby Bottle Tooth Decay Is Real

Frequent, prolonged exposure of baby teeth to sugary drinks can lead to decay. Don’t let your child go to sleep with their bottle. Even though baby teeth aren’t permanent, they impact the future health of adult teeth.

4. You Can’t Recreate Celebrity Faces

Many cosmetic dentistry professionals have patients come to them with celeb photos, saying they want the same smile as the person in the picture. While it can alter your teeth, dental work can’t change the contours of your face to match someone else’s. However, procedures like teeth whitening and veneers can help you score Hollywood-worthy teeth.

5. Mouth Piercings Are Never Okay

There is no such thing as a “safe” mouth piercing. A lip piercing will wear away the inside of your lip and your gums, and a tongue piercing is a surefire way to snag a chipped tooth. Piercings also increase your risk of oral infection.

If you’re seeking answers to oral health questions, the dentists at Four Corners Dental Group in Anchorage can help. They are proud to offer affordable dental care to the communities of Wasilla and Anchorage. Visit the website to find out more about the services available. For an appointment, call (907) 376-2790 for the Wasilla location or (907) 258-3384 for the Anchorage location.