Dentists Debunk 15 More Teeth Myths | Debunked

Insider Science
13 Mar 202213:37
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRIn this enlightening video, dental professionals Dr. John Yoo and Dr. Jason Lin debunk common dental myths, emphasizing the importance of baby teeth, the reversibility of cavities, and the proper care for a healthy smile. They discuss the misconceptions about acidic fruits whitening teeth, the necessity of dental cleanings, and the role of retainers. The video also highlights the significance of timely treatment for knocked-out teeth and the reality that not everyone develops wisdom teeth. The experts advocate for good oral hygiene, fluoride toothpaste, and the potential for orthodontic treatment at any age, concluding with the message that taking care of one's teeth is crucial for maintaining a healthy smile throughout life.

Takeaways
  • 🦷 Baby teeth are important as they hold space for permanent teeth and contribute to speech and psychological development.
  • 🍎 Acidic fruits can erode tooth enamel and lead to cavities, despite temporarily whitening the teeth.
  • 🦷🩸 Cavities can be reversible or irreversible, depending on whether they affect the enamel or dentin layers of the teeth.
  • 🦷 Flossing helps prevent interproximal decay, which affects the spaces between teeth and can lead to gum disease.
  • 🦷 Retainers are necessary to maintain the position of teeth after orthodontic treatment and can protect against teeth grinding.
  • 🦷 Knocked-out teeth can potentially be saved if acted upon quickly and reimplanted or placed in a suitable medium like milk.
  • 🦷 Fillings do not last forever and may need to be redone due to various factors, including poor oral hygiene.
  • 🦷 Dental cleanings are essential preventive services that help maintain oral health and address issues that cannot be managed at home.
  • 🦷 Braces and aligners are not just for aesthetics; they also address functional issues like bites and improve overall oral health.
  • 🦷 Hydrogen peroxide and baking soda are not complete toothpaste replacements as they lack fluoride, which is crucial for remineralizing teeth.
  • 🦷 Regular dental checkups and cleanings, along with good oral hygiene practices, can help maintain teeth throughout life, regardless of age.
Q & A

  • What are the three layers of a tooth?

    -The three layers of a tooth are enamel (the outermost layer), dentin (the second layer), and pulp (the center of the tooth where blood supply and nerves are located).

  • Are some cavities reversible?

    -Yes, some cavities are reversible. If the cavity is within the enamel layer, it is technically reversible due to the enamel's capability to remineralize.

  • What can you do at home if you have a small cavity limited to the enamel?

    -To address a small cavity limited to the enamel at home, you should limit your acid and sugar intake, as these can contribute to enamel erosion. The fluoride in toothpaste can help remineralize the enamel and repair lost minerals.

  • What is the recommended method for whitening your teeth?

    -For teeth whitening, it is recommended to undergo in-office whitening once or twice a year and maintain it at home with at-home whitening kits that contain hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. Avoid using acidic fruits as they can erode and weaken the teeth.

  • What are the functional reasons for getting braces or aligners besides aesthetics?

    -Beyond aesthetics, braces or aligners can address functional issues such as underbites, overbites, cross bites, deep bites, open bites, and spacing issues. They can also help with teeth grinding and traumatic occlusion.

  • What should you do if you knock out a tooth?

    -If a tooth is knocked out, it should be reimplanted as soon as possible, ideally within a half hour to an hour. If reimplantation is not immediately possible, the tooth should be placed in a glass of whole milk or preserved in a bag of saliva, never in water, to maintain the viability of the cells on the root for the best chance of survival.

  • Why are diet sodas and sports drinks harmful to teeth?

    -Diet sodas and sports drinks are harmful to teeth because they are acidic and have low pH levels, which can lead to tooth decay, even though they don't contain sugar. They can attack the teeth similarly to other sugary drinks.

  • How often should dental cleanings be done?

    -The frequency of dental cleanings varies from person to person. Some patients may need cleanings every six months, while others may require more frequent visits, such as every three months, depending on their oral health needs.

  • What is the purpose of a retainer after getting braces or aligners?

    -The purpose of a retainer is to hold the teeth in their new position after braces or aligners, ensuring that the smile remains as it is. It also provides extra protection for those who grind their teeth, preventing them from grinding away their own teeth.

  • What is the importance of flossing?

    -Flossing is crucial for removing bacteria and debris between the teeth, which can lead to interproximal decay if left untreated. It also helps prevent gum disease and bone loss. While the order of flossing versus brushing is not strictly defined, the key is to perform both regularly.

  • Do baby teeth serve any important functions?

    -Baby teeth are important as they act as space holders for permanent teeth. Losing them too early can cause confusion in the alignment of permanent teeth and can also affect a child's speech and psychological well-being.

  • Is it true that everyone needs to get their wisdom teeth removed?

    -No, not everyone needs to get their wisdom teeth removed. It depends on whether they cause problems or not. Some people are born without wisdom teeth, and for others, they may erupt without issue and not require removal.

Outlines
00:00
🦷 Debunking Common Dental Myths

This paragraph discusses various myths related to dental health and provides expert insights from Dr. John Yoo, a pediatric dentist, and Dr. Jason Lin, an orthodontist. They explain that while some cavities are reversible, others are not, depending on their depth. The outer layer of enamel can remineralize, making some cavities reversible, but if the cavity reaches the dentin layer, it can lead to irreversible damage. The dentists also debunk myths about acidic fruits whitening teeth, the permanence of fillings, and the necessity of dental cleanings. They emphasize the importance of proper dental care, including limiting acidic and sugary foods, using fluoride toothpaste, and maintaining good oral hygiene practices.

05:03
🍊 The Impact of Diet on Dental Health

This paragraph focuses on the effects of diet on dental health, particularly the impact of acidic and sugary drinks on teeth. It explains that while drinks like orange and apple juice may provide vitamins, they can also harm teeth due to their acidity. The dentists recommend water as the best drink for dental health. The paragraph also addresses the misconception that diet sodas, despite being sugar-free, can still cause cavities due to their low pH levels. Additionally, it highlights the importance of dental cleanings in maintaining oral health and the role of retainers in preserving the position of teeth after orthodontic treatment.

10:04
🦷 Advanced Dental Care and Treatment

In this paragraph, the dentists discuss various advanced dental care topics, including the necessity of fluoride in toothpaste, the appropriate age for braces, and the functionality of teeth after root canal treatment. They clarify that toothpaste without fluoride is not ideal as it lacks the essential ingredient for remineralizing teeth. The paragraph also addresses the myth that braces are only for young people, emphasizing that orthodontic treatment is available for all ages. Furthermore, it explains that teeth can still feel sensation after a root canal, as the surrounding ligaments and attachments remain intact. Lastly, the paragraph dispels the myth that everyone will lose their teeth as they age, stressing the importance of good dental hygiene and care in maintaining one's natural teeth.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡Dental health
Dental health refers to the state of one's teeth and gums, which is crucial for overall well-being. In the video, Dr. John Yoo and Dr. Jason Lin debunk myths about dental health, emphasizing the importance of proper care and maintenance to prevent issues like cavities and gum disease. They discuss various aspects of dental health, including the significance of baby teeth, the impact of diet on teeth, and the necessity of regular dental check-ups and cleanings.
💡Cavities
Cavities, also known as dental caries, are holes in the teeth that develop from tooth decay. The video explains that not all cavities are irreversible; some can be reversed if they are only in the enamel, the outermost layer of the tooth. However, once a cavity reaches the dentin or pulp, it is typically irreversible and requires professional dental treatment. The video also addresses the common misconception that diet sodas, despite being sugar-free, can still cause cavities due to their low pH levels and acidity.
💡Enamel
Enamel is the hardest substance in the human body and forms the outermost layer of the teeth. It protects the teeth from decay and damage. In the video, the doctors discuss how the enamel has the ability to remineralize, which means it can repair itself to some extent by regaining minerals like fluoride from toothpaste. However, excessive acid and sugar consumption can lead to enamel erosion, which can result in cavities.
💡Orthodontics
Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that focuses on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. Dr. Jason Lin, an orthodontist, explains that braces and aligners are not just for aesthetics but also serve functional purposes, such as correcting underbites, overbites, and other bite issues. The video emphasizes the importance of early orthodontic intervention to prevent more significant problems later in life.
💡Fluoride
Fluoride is a mineral that helps prevent tooth decay by making the enamel more resistant to acid attacks from bacteria in the mouth. In the video, it is highlighted as an essential component of toothpaste that helps with the remineralization process. The doctors advise against using alternatives like hydrogen peroxide or baking soda without fluoride, as they lack this crucial ingredient for maintaining dental health.
💡Baby teeth
Baby teeth, or primary teeth, are the first set of teeth that children have before their permanent teeth come in. The video stresses the importance of taking care of baby teeth, as they are essential for speech development, proper nutrition, and guiding the growth of permanent teeth. Losing baby teeth prematurely can lead to misalignment of permanent teeth and other orthodontic issues.
💡Wisdom teeth
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the teeth that appear at the back of the mouth between the ages of 17 and 21. The video debunks the myth that everyone has wisdom teeth and that they must be removed. It is explained that not everyone has them, and the decision to remove them depends on factors like impaction and potential for future problems. Wisdom teeth removal is recommended before they become a problem, often in late teens or early twenties.
💡Root canal
A root canal is a dental procedure that involves removing the infected or damaged nerve of a tooth and saving the tooth from extraction. The video clarifies that teeth can still feel pressure and sensation after a root canal because the surrounding ligaments and periodontal tissues are intact. It is an effective treatment to keep the tooth in the mouth, avoiding the need for a tooth replacement like an implant.
💡Retainers
Retainers are custom-made devices used to hold teeth in their corrected positions after orthodontic treatment, such as braces or aligners. The video explains that retainers are essential for maintaining the results of orthodontic treatment and preventing teeth from shifting back to their original positions. They are particularly important for adult patients who grind their teeth, as retainers can protect the teeth from excessive wear.
💡Dental cleanings
Dental cleanings are preventive dental services that involve the removal of plaque and tartar from teeth to prevent cavities and gum disease. The video discusses the importance of regular dental cleanings in addition to daily oral hygiene practices like brushing and flossing. It is mentioned that the frequency of dental cleanings can vary depending on individual needs, with some patients requiring more frequent check-ups.
💡Flossing
Flossing is the practice of using a thin thread or tape to clean between the teeth and under the gum line, where a toothbrush cannot reach. In the video, the doctors discuss the importance of flossing for preventing interproximal decay, which occurs between teeth. They also address the debate on whether to floss before or after brushing, ultimately emphasizing that the most crucial aspect is to floss consistently as part of a good oral hygiene routine.
Highlights

Baby teeth are important as they act as space holders for permanent teeth.

Some cavities are reversible depending on their depth, while others are not.

Enamel, the outer layer of teeth, can remineralize and repair itself to some extent.

Acidic fruits can erode tooth enamel and lead to cavities despite temporarily whitening the teeth.

In-office whitening treatments followed by at-home kits are recommended for teeth whitening.

Braces and aligners are not only for aesthetics but also address functional dental issues like underbites and overbites.

Severe crowding in children can lead to impaction and orthodontic complications if not addressed early.

A knocked-out tooth can be potentially saved if reimplanted within an hour; milk or saliva can help preserve it.

Diet sodas can cause cavities due to their low pH and acidity, not just the absence of sugar.

Regular dental cleanings are essential for maintaining oral health and preventing issues that can't be addressed at home.

Retainers are necessary to maintain the position of teeth after orthodontic treatment and protect from grinders.

Flossing before brushing, while not strictly necessary, can help in removing bacteria and maintaining oral hygiene.

Wisdom teeth are not a guarantee and their removal depends on individual circumstances rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

Hydrogen peroxide and baking soda can be used in emergencies but are not toothpaste replacements due to the lack of fluoride.

Age is not a barrier for getting braces, and orthodontic treatment can improve self-esteem and oral health.

Teeth that have had root canals can still feel pressure and sensation despite the removal of the nerve.

Taking care of your teeth through good hygiene and habits can help maintain them throughout life, regardless of age.

Transcripts

Browse More Related Video

Best Toothpaste for Whitening, Tooth Cavity, Sensitive Teeth & Gum DISEASE

Taking care of your teeth - All the things you need to know

Dentists Debunk 14 Teeth Myths

Toddler Learning Video - Going to the Dentist for Toddlers | Learn Healthy Habits for Kids

Teeth Cleaning with Braces!

#1 Home Remedy to Remove Dental Plaque & Tarter to Prevent Cavities | Dr. Mandell

Rate This

5.0 / 5 (0 votes)

Thanks for rating:

Related Tags
Dental MythsOral HealthPediatric DentistryOrthodonticsCavity PreventionTooth WhiteningBracesRetainersRoot CanalsDentist Advice