1) “Fillings are not necessary and cavities can be reversed”
On average, a cavity takes between four and eight years to progress from enamel to dentin (the innermost layer of the tooth). That means there’s plenty of time to treat her with fluoride, brushing, sugar restriction and monitoring, according to a study from the University of Sydney in Australia.
2) “The fluoride content in the water is wrong”
At least in the state of São Paulo, more or less 30% of the samples contain more or less fluoride than recommended. If the index is below the standard, it does not guarantee the anti-caries benefit. And, if it goes above, it can lead to fluorosis, which causes stains, usually whitish (in the most severe cases, brown), on the teeth.
3) “Anesthesia is not so innocent”
You run the risk of momentary perrengues, such as not being able to blink for a while (and getting a dry eye) or getting a big bruise if the needle hits a blood vessel. There are also more serious but rare consequences, such as cardiac arrhythmia and nerve problems.
4) “Our offices are contaminated”
That little device that sprays water in your mouth can cause infections. According to a study by the University of Poitiers, in France, the instrument usually has more resistant bacteria than imagined and the disinfectants recommended by the equipment manufacturers themselves are not 100% effective.
5) “We don’t even agree on how to brush our teeth”
A survey by the University College of London, in England, compared the brushing recommendations of associations in ten countries, manufacturers of toothbrushes and toothpastes and books. Conclusion: they differ a lot. And there is no evidence to prove that elaborate techniques are more effective than a simple brush. When in doubt, keep it simple and focus on areas where plaque tends to form, such as the surfaces of teeth and near the gums.
SOURCES Magazines FAPESP Research, Reader’s Digest It is Team; websites CBS News,daily mail, Elsevier, EurekAlert!, Folha de S.Paulo, harvard university, IG, NYMAG, pacific standard, Physician Health Program, surgery, University of British Columbia, USA Today, USP It is wired