Darren Bywater is a specialist dental practice based in Derby, England. We offer general dentistry for all the family, cosmetic dentistry for a whiter smile, implant dentistry and specialist dentistry.

1. DENTAL
MYTHS

2. DENTAL MYTHS
“Brushing before an appointment with the
dentist will hide the fact I haven’t been
brushing regularly!”
Myth #1

3. DENTAL MYTHS
“Brushing before an appointment with the
dentist will hide the fact I haven’t been
brushing!”
FALSE
Myth #1

4. DENTAL MYTHS
“Brushing before an appointment with the
dentist will hide the fact I haven’t been
brushing!”
FALSE
Myth #1
Not following the recommended two-minute brushing twice daily will
make the gums red, swollen and bleed easily, making it obvious to
the dentist. There is no way the dentist will not know that the patient
is not brushing regularly.

5. DENTAL MYTHS
“The more I brush, the healthier my teeth
will be!”
Myth #2

6. DENTAL MYTHS
“The more I brush, the healthier my teeth
will be!”
FALSE
Myth #2

7. DENTAL MYTHS
“The more I brush, the healthier my teeth
will be!”
FALSE
Myth #2
Over-brushing the teeth can wear the teeth due to the abrasive
property of toothpaste. This could lead to dental problems. In
between the twice-a-day brushing regimen, rinse after eating and
chew sugar free gum to avoid plaque build-up.

8. DENTAL MYTHS
“Teeth whitening is always harmful”
Myth #3

9. DENTAL MYTHS
“Teeth whitening is always harmful”
FALSE
Myth #3

10. DENTAL MYTHS
“Teeth whitening is always harmful”
FALSE
Teeth whitening done professionally will cause no damage to the
teeth enamel but it may cause teeth sensitivity and gum redness on
a short-term basis.
Myth #3

11. DENTAL MYTHS
“My teeth feel fine, I don’t need to go to the
dentist”
Myth #4

12. DENTAL MYTHS
“My teeth feel fine, I don’t need to go to the
dentist”
FALSE
Myth #4

13. DENTAL MYTHS
“My teeth feel fine, I don’t need to go to the
dentist”
FALSE
Myth #4
Regular checkups are very important. Early tooth decay can be
symptomless, and other dental issues such as periodontal disease
(gum disease) can have a slow onset and you may not be aware of
the problem until your teeth become mobile.

14. DENTAL MYTHS
“Whiter teeth are healthier teeth!”
Myth #5

15. DENTAL MYTHS
“Whiter teeth are healthier teeth!”
FALSE
Myth #5

16. DENTAL MYTHS
“Whiter teeth are healthier teeth!”
FALSE
Myth #5
While your teeth may be sparkling, this cannot show if there is an
infection or cavities between the teeth. Pure white teeth do not
equate to healthier teeth, although they should be on the whiter side.
The natural colour of teeth vary from one person to another where
people with healthy teeth could have darker teeth than the next.

17. DENTAL MYTHS
“There is fluoride in our water supply!”
Myth #6

18. DENTAL MYTHS
“There is fluoride in our water supply!”
FALSE
Myth #6
(probably)

19. DENTAL MYTHS
“There is fluoride in our water supply!”
FALSE
Myth #6
There is currently only around 10% of the UK population’s water
supply that contains fluoride. Check this with your water supplier.
(probably)

20. DENTAL MYTHS
“Only sugar from cakes & sweets are bad for
my teeth!”
Myth #7

21. DENTAL MYTHS
“Only sugar from cakes & sweets are bad for
my teeth!”
FALSE
Myth #7

22. DENTAL MYTHS
“Only sugar from cakes & sweets are bad for
my teeth!”
FALSE
Myth #7
While all these foods are bad for your teeth (and general health),
dried fruit, fruit juice and honey contain natural sugars that can
cause tooth decay. Limit the amount of these foods that you eat,
don’t have them between meals and brush your teeth twice a day.

23. DENTAL MYTHS
“I will need dentures when I am older!”
Myth #8

24. DENTAL MYTHS
“I will need dentures when I am older!”
FALSE
Myth #8
(probably)

25. DENTAL MYTHS
“I will need dentures when I am older!”
FALSE
Myth #8
Improvements to dental hygiene mean that more of us keep our
natural teeth into old age. In 1968, 37% of adults had no natural
teeth. By 1998 the figure had fallen to 12%.
(probably)

26. DENTAL MYTHS
“I will know when I have a cavity!”
Myth #9

27. DENTAL MYTHS
“I will know when I have a cavity!”
FALSE
Myth #9

28. DENTAL MYTHS
“I will know when I have a cavity!”
FALSE
Myth #9
A dentist can detect a cavity long before it causes any pain, this is
why regular checkups are very important.

29. DENTAL MYTHS
“Poor oral hygiene only affects the mouth!”
Myth #10

30. DENTAL MYTHS
“Poor oral hygiene only affects the mouth!”
FALSE
Myth #10

31. DENTAL MYTHS
“Poor oral hygiene only affects the mouth!”
FALSE
Myth #10
Brushing your teeth actually helps protect your heart too.
Inflammation from periodontal disease has been linked to greater
risk of cardiovascular disease and can lead to a heart attack.

32. DENTAL MYTHS
Darren Bywater is a specialist dental practice based in
Derby, England.
For General Dentistry for all the family, Implant Dentistry,
Cosmetic Dentistry or Specialist Dentistry, please don’t
hesitate to get in touch.
01332 550926
www.darrenbywater.co.uk