Dentists Dr. John Yu and Dr. Jason Lin debunk common dental myths, clarifying that baby teeth are important for spacing, cavities can sometimes be reversible, acidic fruits do not whiten teeth but erode enamel, braces are not just for aesthetics but also for functional issues, knocked out teeth can sometimes be saved, diet sodas can still cause cavities due to acidity, dental cleanings are essential for oral health, retainers should be worn for life to maintain alignment, flossing is crucial regardless of order, and wisdom teeth are not present in everyone. They emphasize the importance of fluoride toothpaste, regular dental checkups, and good oral hygiene practices to maintain dental health throughout life.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text, without opinions:
1. Cavities can be reversible or irreversible, depending on the depth of the cavity.
2. The outer layer of teeth, enamel, can re-mineralize if the cavity is within it.
3. Acidic fruits can erode teeth and lead to cavities.
4. Braces are not just for aesthetics, but also for functional reasons such as underbites, overbites, and crossbites.
5. A knocked-out tooth is not necessarily a dead tooth and can be reimplanted if done within a short time frame.
6. Milk is the best choice to put a knocked-out tooth in to keep the cells alive.
7. Diet sodas can cause cavities due to their low pH levels.
8. Flossing is important to remove bacteria and plaque from between teeth.
9. Retainers are necessary to hold teeth in place after orthodontic treatment.
10. Baby teeth are important for spacing and guiding permanent teeth.
11. Wisdom teeth are not always present and may not need to be removed.
12. Hydrogen peroxide and baking soda are not suitable replacements for toothpaste due to the lack of fluoride.
13. There is no age limit for getting braces.
14. Teeth with root canals can still feel sensation due to surrounding ligaments.
15. Taking care of teeth through good hygiene and habits can help prevent tooth loss with age.