Dental diseases are not usually immediately fatal, but once they flare up the pain can be excruciating. Most people merely have a limited knowledge of their teeth or mouth, so there are a number of misconceptions in these areas:
Misconception #1: Since the fetus "steals" calcium from the mother, there's a saying which goes, "Have a child, lose a tooth."
Fact: It's very common for expectant mothers to have dental pain, but the reason is not because the fetus takes calcium from the mother's body. Changes in internal secretions within the mother's body during pregnancy are the cause, making it rather easy to develop swelling of the gums. Expectant mothers often have a poor appetite and abnormal eating habits. If they neglect oral hygiene, they may easily develop cavities and inflamed gums. Pain relievers are rarely prescribed to relieve the pain to protect the health of the unborn infant, and consequently the expectant mother has to endure the pain.
Misconception #2: Plaque can be removed by brushing your teeth vigorously.
Fact: There's no way of removing plaque by brushing. It must be removed by a dentist. Brushing your teeth hard will only harm the enamel and is best avoided.
Misconception #3: After having the nerve of a tooth removed you will no longer feel any pain.
Fact: This is merely wishful thinking! Teeth are set in periodontal tissue, which consists of periodontal membrane, the gums, the alveolar bone, and dentine. Although the nerve can be removed from the pulp, the nerve on the outside of the tooth still remains.
Misconception #4: With false teeth there's no need to worry about cavities ever again.
Fact: Even the highest quality set of false teeth is capable of forming cavities. Specialists recommend that after having false teeth fitted you should sit down with your dentist and discuss ways of cleaning and protecting them, and remember to make regular checkups. Of course the most important principle is to maintain good oral hygiene.
Misconception #5: Dentists examine only teeth.
Fact: The "work area" of the dentist ranges from the lips to the front of the tonsils.