An experienced dentist debunked the seven main myths about dental treatment

A doctor with 30 years of experience, Alexander Nikiforov, in an interview with Yamal 1, explained why common beliefs about dental health can be dangerous.

One of the most harmful myths, he says, is the idea that a tooth doesn't need to be treated until it hurts. The dentist warns that caries in the early stages often occurs without symptoms, and pain appears when the destruction has already reached the nerve. At this point, treatment becomes much more difficult and expensive. Therefore, he insists on preventive examinations twice a year.

Many patients worry about old amalgam fillings, considering them dangerous. Nikiforov reassures: such seals, although they look outdated, have served for decades and are not inferior to modern materials in terms of safety. The main thing is to ensure that the seal does not break. The doctor also refuted the myth that cold destroys teeth. The problem, he explains, is not the temperature, but the existing damage to the enamel, microcracks or inflammation. A reaction to cold or hot is a direct signal to visit the dentist.

Nikiforov called attempts to be treated with folk remedies, for example, rinsing with herbs or soda, dangerous. Such methods only mask the symptoms, but do not eliminate the cause of caries or pulpitis, which can ultimately lead to tooth loss. At the same time, as the doctor noted, an expensive brush and paste are also not a panacea. Much more important is the correct brushing technique, the use of fluoride-containing paste and the obligatory cleaning of interdental spaces with floss or irrigator.

Separately, the dentist touched upon the topic of whitening, which many consider harmful to enamel. With a professional approach under the supervision of a doctor, he claims, the procedure is safe. The risk only arises with aggressive home bleaching.

In conclusion, Nikiforov also dispelled the prevailing opinion that dentists themselves do not treat teeth. He emphasized that he and his colleagues regularly undergo examinations and professional cleanings, since taking care of their teeth is part of professional ethics.

Main photo: freepik.com

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