At Bayway Dental, we understand that dental care can feel intimidating, especially if you’ve heard stories that made you nervous about sitting in the dental chair. Unfortunately, many people’s fears about the dentist have led them to believe dental myths that simply aren’t true.
We want to set the record straight.
Many of the concerns we hear aren’t based on facts, but rather prevalent misunderstandings and fears. Dr. Sherberg breaks down seven common dental myths.
Don’t worry – we’re not here to lecture. We’re here to provide information that will empower you on your oral health journey.
So, let’s talk about some common dental myths!
Myth #1: “Bleeding Gums are Normal. I Might Just Be Brushing Too Hard!”
Bleeding gums are not normal, but they are common. In fact, they’re one of the early warning signs of gum disease, which affects nearly half of U.S. adults over 30. Gum disease affects more than half – 60% – of adults 65 years and older, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
While brushing too hard with a stiff toothbrush can cause irritation, bleeding gums usually point to poor oral hygiene habits (i.e not brushing frequently enough, or thoroughly enough) or plaque buildup along the gumline.
The fix? Stick to good oral hygiene habits—brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristle toothbrush, floss daily, and schedule regular dental checkups.
Catching gum health problems early can prevent more serious issues that can result in tooth loss.
Myth #2: “Baby Teeth Don’t Matter—They Fall Out Anyway.”
We hear this a lot from new parents, but the truth is, baby teeth do matter. They help kids chew, speak, and hold space for permanent teeth.
If tooth decay develops in baby teeth and isn’t treated, it can lead to infections that affect a child’s overall health and future oral health. Think kids are too young for dental problems? Keep in mind that they can start developing cavities as soon as they have teeth, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Also, developing good oral hygiene habits early sets children up for healthy teeth and gums as adults.
We recommend that children start visiting the dentist within six months of their first tooth coming in. Early visits help set the tone for good oral hygiene habits that last a lifetime. Also, those early visits can be fun! These early dental visits build confidence in children that can last a lifetime.
Myth #3: “If Nothing Hurts, I Don’t Need to go to the Dentist.”
This one might be the most common dental myth of all. Pain isn’t the only sign of a problem. Many oral health issues—like gum disease, cavities, or even oral cancer—start developing silently. That’s why we encourage everyone to keep up with regular dental visits, even if everything feels fine.
Professional cleanings and exams help us spot problems before they turn into something bigger. The American Dental Association suggests visiting your dentist at least once or twice a year for preventive care—and we agree.
For patients under the care of a dentist, Florida law requires an examination once every 13 months. Note, a full examination includes necessary x-rays that can detect issues before they become big problems (or cause pain).
Myth #4: “Teeth Whitening Damages Your Enamel.”
Professional whitening treatments from your dentist are safe and effective when used as directed.
Over-the-counter products like whitening toothpaste can sometimes cause tooth sensitivity if overused, but they don’t strip your tooth enamel.
We always recommend having a conversation with us before starting any teeth whitening regimen. We’ll guide you to safe options that protect your teeth and gums while still giving you that healthy smile you’re after.
Myth #5: “Dental Cleanings Make My Gums Bleed, So I Skip Them.”
If your gums bleed during a cleaning, it’s usually because of inflammation from plaque buildup, not the cleaning itself. Skipping your appointment won’t make it better. In fact, doing so allows gum disease to progress further.
Keeping up with professional cleanings helps prevent gum disease and keeps your oral health on track. Regular professional cleanings, along with regular oral hygiene at home, reduce inflammation and bleeding.
Myth #6: “Sedation Dentistry is Only for Major Surgeries.”
A lot of nervous patients assume sedation is only used for complex surgeries or long appointments, but that’s not true.
At Bayway Dental, we offer all forms of sedation dentistry to help patients who struggle with dental anxiety, even for routine treatments like cleanings or fillings.
If the idea of visiting the dentist makes you feel panicked or overwhelmed, you’re not alone. According to the Cleveland Clinic, about 36% of people in the U.S. have a fear of dental treatment, with 12% having an extreme fear.
Oral sedation helps you relax and stay calm, without being fully “out.” IV sedation, administered by an anesthesiologist, takes you into a deeper level of sedation.
Our dental team believes that dental treatment shouldn’t be a source of stress. Sedation dentistry is a safe, gentle way to help you stay on track with your oral health and to make your experience as comfortable as possible, whether it’s a routine treatment or emergency care.
In fact, Dr. Sherberg is a certified DOCS Education member, which is one example of his commitment to excellence in IV sedation dentistry. He’s also been nominated as the Best Dentist of Tampa Bay out of a group of over 1,000 dentists. Throughout his career, he’s helped thousands of patients overcome their fears of the dentist and get much-needed treatment.
“Not only do we offer sedation dentistry with a medical anesthesiologist, but we also promise no lectures or judgment, ever,” said Dr. Sherberg. “I know this helps us treat the patients who say ‘I hate the dentist!’”
The Truth? Regular Dental Care Makes a Difference
The connection between oral health and overall health is stronger than you might think. Studies have linked poor oral health to conditions like respiratory infections, heart disease, and diabetes. For pregnant women, untreated gum disease has even been associated with low birth weight and preterm birth.
That’s why we don’t just focus on your teeth and gums—we focus on maintaining oral health as part of your whole-body wellness.
At Bayway Dental, we believe dental care should feel approachable, not scary. If you’ve been putting off a visit because of something you heard, we invite you to come in and talk with us. We’ll listen, walk you through each step, and answer any questions you may have, without judgment.
Your oral health matters. Let’s take care of it together!
Schedule an appointment at our St. Petersburg, FL office today.
