7 Myths About Treating Tooth Decay That You Should Stop Believing

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Tooth decay is one of the most common dental diseases that almost everyone has experienced at some point. Nevertheless, there are still many myths and misconceptions surrounding the treatment of this disease. These myths can not only be misleading, but they can also lead to serious consequences, ranging from tooth loss to infections and general health problems. In this article, we will debunk seven of the most common myths about treating tooth decay and explain why it is so important to trust your dentist and not “grandmother’s advice”.

1. Caries can be treated at home with baking soda, oil, or garlic

This is one of the most common and dangerous myths. Indeed, some natural remedies have antiseptic properties, but they can’t restore damaged tooth tissue. Baking soda, garlic, propolis, or oil can temporarily relieve pain, but they don’t kill bacteria or stop the development of cavities. In addition, aggressive substances such as soda can damage tooth enamel and worsen the situation. Treatment of caries is possible only in the dentist's office with special instruments and materials.

2. If the tooth doesn’t hurt, there is no need to treat it

Early stages of caries may not cause any symptoms. However, this doesn’t mean that the problem will resolve itself. Without treatment, tooth decay penetrates deeper into the tooth tissue and reaches the dentin and pulp, causing acute pain, inflammation, and even an abscess. Even if a carious spot doesn’t bother you, there is no reason to postpone a visit to the dentist. The earlier the treatment is started, the easier, cheaper, and less painful it is.

3. Dental fillings are harmful - over time, fillings destroy the tooth

Modern filling materials are completely harmless and even strengthen the tooth structure. The myth about the harmfulness of fillings most likely stems from failed cases involving fillings placed decades ago, for example, those made of mercury-containing amalgam. Today, composites are used that adhere well to the tooth tissue, restore the shape of the tooth, and last for years. It is important to visit your dentist regularly to have your teeth examined and, if necessary, have worn-out fillings replaced.

4. Baby teeth don’t need to be treated – they fall out anyway

Baby teeth are important not only for chewing, but also for the development of a correct bite and normal jaw growth. If a baby tooth is affected by caries and is not treated, the infection can spread to the permanent teeth, causing complications. Moreover, premature removal of baby teeth can lead to speech disorders and difficulties in the eruption of permanent teeth.

5. Sugar instantly destroys your teeth

Although sugar contributes to the development of cavities, it is not so much the candy itself that causes harm, but rather prolonged contact with it. If you eat candy and immediately brush your teeth or rinse your mouth, the risk is minimal. It is much more dangerous if a person regularly “grabs” candy throughout the day without cleaning the oral cavity. Additionally, an acidic environment (soda, juice, fruit) can be even more dangerous than sugar because it destroys tooth enamel.

6. If you treat caries, the tooth will still “die”

Some patients are afraid of dental treatment because they believe that the tooth will soon rot or become “dead” after a filling. This is not true. The goal of cavity filling is to preserve the living tooth. With timely intervention, both the nerve and the tooth structure can be saved. Only in advanced cases is root canal  (endodontic treatment) necessary, but even then, the tooth remains functional – it does not “die”, but continues to perform its functions.

7. Some people do not develop cavities – it is “genetic”

Although genes affect the composition of saliva, the shape of the teeth, and the condition of the tooth enamel, it is only part of the equation. The main cause of tooth decay is poor hygiene and nutrition. Even with ideal genetics, regular sugar intake and poor oral hygiene lead to tooth decay. And vice versa – with proper care and prevention, you can reduce the risk of tooth decay to a minimum, even if your tooth enamel is weak.