There are plenty of myths that many people believe about dental health - and understandably so! There are countless sources of information that provide misleading or misdirected advice relating to the mouth. Here are a few of the most common dental health myths, and some short explanations as to why they’re not totally truthful. Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Specialists of Michigan, the offices of Drs. Delaney, Plunkett, Ralstrom, Makowski, Thanasas, Ker and associates has specialized in pediatric dentistry and orthodontics since 1968. Our family-friendly office gives patients and families a more comfortable and consistent experience with dentistry from the very beginning. The pediatric dentists treat children from newborn to 18 years of age while our orthodontists provide care for both children and adults, including being an Invisalign preferred provider. The ability to treat all special needs patients reaches beyond our facility, which has treatment rooms available for children who require additional privacy. Valued hospital affiliations allow dental services to be performed at DMC Children’s Hospital and St. John’s Hospital Macomb when needed. Our specialists are also on staff at Henry Ford and Beaumont hospitals.

1. Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic
Specialists of Michigan
Drs. Delaney, Plunkett, Ralstrom, Makowski, Thanasas, Ker, and Associates
Debunking Dental Myths

2. Dental Health Myths Are Common
There are plenty of myths that
many people believe about
dental health - and
understandably so! There are
countless sources of
information that provide
misleading or misdirected
advice relating to the mouth.
Here are a few of the most
common dental health myths,
and some short explanations
as to why they’re not totally
truthful.

3. Blood While Brushing
 A little blood when you brush is always a bad sign.
While seeing blood during or after brushing isn’t necessarily a
good thing, it is unnecessary to feel as though it is (entirely) a
bad thing. In many cases, the blood coming from your gums
while brushing is appearing because the plaque/other gunk
lining your gums is irritated, and therefore, breaking down.
The best way to prevent your gums from bleeding in the
future is to continue to brush away the plaque - once your
gums are gunk-free, they will have the chance to grow
stronger and more resistant to the bristles of your brush. Dr.
Mak says, “I can’t tell you how many kids and parents tell me
they stop brushing because they see red toothpaste in the sink
afterward. They think they are hurting themselves and stop.
That’s the last thing we want them to do.”

4. Stinky Breath
 If Your Breath is Stinky, You’re Not Brushing Right.
Much to people’s surprise, poor oral hygiene is only one of the many
reasons as to why someone’s breath might not smell as pleasant as it
could. In fact, the food that we eat on a daily basis plays a much
larger role in the scent of our breath. Aside from food, there are a
number of illnesses, dental problems, sinus problems, mouth
infections, and medications that can cause this problem too. If you
feel you or your child has a problem with bad breath, ask one of our
dentists or hygienists about it. We may have some suggestions for
you like:
 a tongue scraper
 certain mouth rinses can help
 dental care to alleviate the source if known to be an acute problem

5. Sugar is all Bad
 More Sugar, More Problems.
Most people will insist that the more sugar a person eats, the more
likely they are to experience tooth decay. While there is some truth to
this, it’s not that simple. Tooth decay has much more to do with the
length of time during which sugar is present on the tooth surface If
carbohydrates (most contain sugars) have the opportunity to sit around
on the enamel of teeth, normally harmless bacteria that already live in
the mouth come along and feed on the sugar. This is their food source
and, as they digest it, they produce acid, which erodes the teeth.
Therefore, if you eat a large amount of sugar, it’s important that you are
careful to brush and floss it off of your teeth to prevent this feeding
process from occurring.
 TIP: If you are out and unable to brush your teeth readily, a drink of
water can greatly help slow down the process until you can brush
properly.
 TIP 2: Sugary drinks are the worst because they go in the cracks of
teeth and between the teeth much more readily.

6. If you have any questions regarding cavities or any other dental
concerns, please feel free to reach out to any member of the team at
Pediatric Dental and Orthodontic Specialists of Michigan.
Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Specialists of Michigan, the offices
of Drs. Delaney, Plunkett, Ralstrom, Makowski, Thanasas, Ker and
associates has specialized in pediatric dentistry and orthodontics since
1968. Our family-friendly office gives patients and families a more
comfortable and consistent experience with dentistry from the very
beginning. The pediatric dentists treat children from newborn to 18
years of age while our orthodontists provide care for both children and
adults, including being an Invisalign preferred provider. The ability to
treat all special needs patients reaches beyond our facility, which has
treatment rooms available for children who require additional
privacy. Valued hospital affiliations allow dental services to be
performed at DMC Children’s Hospital and St. John’s Hospital
Macomb when needed. Our specialists are also on staff at Henry
Ford and Beaumont hospitals.
About Us

7. Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic
Specialists of Michigan
Drs. Delaney, Plunkett, Ralstrom, Makowski, Thanasas, Ker, and Associates
39400 Garfield Rd., Suite 200
Clinton Township, MI 48038
586-286-0700
www.mychildsteeth.com