A shot of whiskey will relieve tooth ache pain?
This is a classic old house wives remedy. People assume that the alcohol in the whiskey will kill any dangerous bacteria that could be causing an infection and pain, and also that the alcohol will numb the pain. Both of these things are not really true. Alcohol in whiskey will kill some bacteria, but it is not going to clean up an infection or fix your toothache. Likewise, it will also numb the pain a little bit, but only if you get drunk. Taking whiskey for a toothache only delays your inevitable trip to the dentist, and possibly makes the situation worse because you waited.
Verdict: False. If your teeth hurt you need to go see a dentist.
Never brush right after eating or drinking?
Is there really a bad time to brush? Most people would tell you that brushing twice a day as well as flossing once is a good oral routine. The thing is, though, that when you brush is also important. Researchers have shown that for the 20 to 30 minutes after eating acidic foods or drinks, such as citrus or soda pop, the enamel on your teeth is weakened. If you brush weakened enamel you will erode it. Enamel regenerates, but it is a slow process and consistently brushing right after eating is a good way to brush more off than can be replaced. Once the enamel is completely gone, it will never grow back.
Verdict: True. If you are really craving a brush right after eating, mix a little baking soda with water and rinse your mouth out. It will bring the pH level back up and wash away some bacteria to hold you over until you can brush.
Will flossing really add years to your life?
This one is a little bit tricky, but yes, at least statistically. When you don’t floss, the risk of getting inflamed gums goes through the roof. If this turns into a chronic condition, it has been shown to have a direct impact on many different health areas. Your risk of a stroke doubles (a stroke occurs when your brain stops getting blood for a short time) and your risk of bronchitis also goes up. While scientists have not shown a direct causal relationship between gum inflammation and stroke, they have shown a strong indirect relationship and are currently researching the connections further. So remember to floss if you want to keep the blood flowing to your brain.
Verdict: True. You can significantly decrease your risk of strokes by flossing.
George Washington had wooden teeth?
This is a common misconception. George Washington did have dentures that were famously uncomfortable. Historians have even theorized that he may have been more a forceful figure in the early days of congress if he had not been embarrassed of his teeth. So if he did have dentures but they were not wood, what were they made of? It turns out they were made of a mixture of horse, donkey, cow, and…human. Creepy!
Verdict: False. His teeth were made of various animal teeth.
Dr. Potts is a gentle, caring dentist who uses the most advanced materials and procedures available. He practices comfortable, health-centered dentistry, with a strong emphasis on getting to know each patient. In addition to his technical proficiency, Dr. Potts is a careful listener. He makes sure to understand what you want and will explain beforehand what treatment is best for your individual needs, along with all options available to you. Check out our Twitter, Facebook page, and website.
Leave a Reply