When it comes to your smile, modern dental medicine is safer, more effective, and more advanced than ever before, offering treatments and technologies that protect not just your teeth and gums, but your overall health. Unfortunately, misinformation, outdated advice, and myths from non-experts continue to circulate, leading many people to make choices that can actually cause harm instead of preventing it. Believing these misconceptions or trusting sources that are not authorities in dental medicine can result in delayed care, unnecessary worry, or missed opportunities to maintain both oral health and general well-being. The truth is, most dental myths simply don’t hold up when measured against science and professional expertise.
At Dental Depot of Oklahoma, we’ve spent nearly 50 years building a reputation for delivering the highest quality of care by combining decades of experience, advanced education, and a broad range of specialties with cutting-edge technology and a patient-first philosophy. Our doctor-owned practices are staffed by highly trained providers with expertise in comprehensive dental services. We remain at the forefront of innovation with tools like 3D CBCT imaging, iTero intraoral scanners, All-on-4 implants, and Diamond Plus Invisalign treatment, and we prioritize patient education, because we believe informed patients make the best decisions for their health. Through ongoing professional advancement, community programs like Smiley O’Riley, and an unwavering dedication to excellence, Dental Depot of Oklahoma provides trusted, comprehensive, commonsense care that fits your life and your budget.
For many people, the most noticeable benefit of orthodontic treatment is an improved facial appearance. What’s less obvious are all the ways orthodontics can help achieve that transformation. A straight, balanced smile can make a lasting impression, helping you feel more confident in both personal and professional settings.
Concerns about radiation exposure led to this myth, particularly when X-rays were less regulated in the mid-20th century. Some studies linking high radiation exposure to cancer fueled public anxiety, which carried over into dentistry.
Today, digital dental X-rays use extremely low radiation—about 0.005 millisieverts per image, according to the ADA—which is less than one day of natural background radiation. The National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements confirms there is no evidence of increased cancer risk from dental X-rays taken as recommended. Dentists also follow the ALARA principle (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) to further minimize exposure.
Lead aprons were once routine when older film-based X-rays exposed patients to higher radiation. Over time, myths developed that these vests themselves could pose risks or “leak” lead. Some patients also worry about unnecessary contact with heavy materials.
The ADA and American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology state that lead aprons are not harmful. Modern digital X-rays use such low doses of radiation that aprons are no longer considered necessary, and in some cases, they may interfere with imaging. They are not dangerous; they are simply outdated in most settings.
This myth gained traction with the rise of diet sodas in the 1980s and 1990s, marketed as a “healthier” alternative to sugary drinks. Because they don’t contain sugar, many assume they cannot cause cavities. This seems logical, since sugar feeds cavity-causing bacteria.
However, sugar-free sodas are highly acidic, often containing phosphoric or citric acid, which erode enamel and increase cavity risk even without sugar. A study in the Journal of the American Dental Association confirmed that diet sodas can be just as damaging as regular sodas when it comes to enamel erosion. The ADA and CDC both recommend limiting all carbonated beverages and drinking water as the best choice for oral health.
The belief that white teeth equal healthy teeth has roots in advertising and media, where bright smiles symbolize beauty and vitality. Over-the-counter whitening products and celebrity culture reinforced the notion that whiteness indicates superior oral health.
In truth, tooth color varies naturally and is influenced by genetics, age, diet, and lifestyle. Healthy teeth may appear slightly yellow due to underlying dentin. Conversely, teeth can be bright white yet still suffer from decay, gum disease, or enamel erosion. The ADA emphasizes that true oral health is determined by the absence of disease, strong enamel, and healthy gums, not tooth shade.
This myth comes from early whitening products in the 1980s and 1990s, which sometimes caused sensitivity or uneven results. Stories of “bleaching damage” circulated widely, and the perception stuck. Because whitening involves chemicals like hydrogen peroxide, many people assume it must weaken enamel.
Evidence shows that professional whitening, when done under a dentist’s supervision, is safe and effective. The ADA notes that whitening products penetrate enamel to lighten stains but do not permanently damage tooth structure. Temporary sensitivity may occur but usually resolves quickly. Overuse of unregulated products, however, can be harmful, another reason professional guidance matters.
This myth likely arose because new flossers sometimes notice space after flossing, mistaking it as “gaps forming.” Others may experience bleeding or soreness at first, reinforcing the belief that flossing causes harm.
According to the ADA and National Institutes of Health (NIH), flossing does not create gaps. Instead, it removes plaque and food particles that would otherwise inflame gums and cause periodontal disease, conditions that can actually lead to tooth mobility and gaps. Studies confirm flossing reduces gum inflammation and lowers the risk of cavities between teeth.
This myth comes from the assumption that since primary teeth are temporary, decay or cavities in them don’t require treatment. Historically, some parents delayed care, believing “they’ll fall out anyway.”
In reality, untreated cavities in baby teeth can cause pain, infection, and speech or eating difficulties. The CDC and ADA emphasize that healthy baby teeth are critical for guiding permanent teeth into proper position and supporting jaw development. Severe decay can also affect a child’s overall health, and treating cavities early prevents complications and sets the foundation for lifelong oral health.
For decades, people assumed that the harder you scrub, the cleaner your teeth will be—an idea reinforced by the way scrubbing works in other cleaning tasks. Early toothbrushes with stiff bristles also contributed to this perception, and many consumers still associate “harder” brushing with greater effectiveness. This myth persists because plaque is invisible to the naked eye, so people often equate pressure with thoroughness.
In reality, research shows that brushing too hard can erode enamel, wear down gum tissue, and actually make teeth more sensitive and prone to decay. The American Dental Association (ADA) and Mayo Clinic recommend brushing with gentle, circular motions using a soft-bristled toothbrush for two minutes, twice a day, with fluoride toothpaste. Excessive force does not remove plaque more effectively—it only increases the risk of gum recession and enamel abrasion.
This myth originated from outdated concerns that dental procedures, X-rays, or medications could harm the developing fetus. Historically, many women were advised to delay care until after pregnancy, and some cultural beliefs reinforced the idea that “dental work is unsafe” during this time. Because morning sickness and hormonal changes can increase dental sensitivity, many women also avoided care out of fear or discomfort.
Modern evidence shows that dental care during pregnancy is both safe and essential. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and ADA, routine dental visits, X-rays with protective shielding, and treatments like fillings and extractions are safe. In fact, untreated gum disease during pregnancy has been linked to adverse outcomes such as preterm birth and low birth weight. Maintaining oral health helps protect both mother and baby.
This myth stems from early 20th-century work by Dr. Weston Price, who claimed bacteria trapped in root canal–treated teeth caused systemic illness. His poorly designed studies were widely circulated and continue to influence alternative health claims today.
Extensive research has debunked these claims. A 2013 study in Cancer found that root canal treatment was actually associated with a reduced risk of certain cancers. The ADA, National Cancer Institute, and Mayo Clinic all confirm there is no credible evidence linking root canals to cancer.
For years, routine extraction of wisdom teeth was common, based on the assumption they would inevitably cause crowding or infection. This practice led to the belief that removal is always necessary.
Modern guidelines from the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, however, clarify that extraction is only recommended when wisdom teeth are impacted, decayed, or causing problems. If they erupt normally and are healthy, they can remain in place.
Since amalgam fillings contain mercury alloy, fears emerged in the 1970s–80s that they release toxic vapor and cause neurological disease. Media reports and advocacy groups amplified the concern, fueling demand for “amalgam removal.”
According to the FDA, WHO, and ADA, amalgam fillings do release extremely low levels of mercury vapor, but they are well below safety thresholds, and large-scale studies show no evidence of harm in the general population. Alternatives exist, but amalgam remains a safe, durable, and cost-effective option for many patients.
Since U.S. water fluoridation began in the 1940s, some groups have argued it causes health problems, citing thyroid disease, bone cancer, or developmental effects. This myth persists due to misunderstandings about fluoride dosing and mistrust of government programs.
Decades of research prove otherwise. The CDC calls water fluoridation one of the top ten public health achievements of the 20th century, and studies published in Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology and endorsed by the ADA show no credible link between fluoridated water and systemic disease at recommended levels. Instead, fluoride significantly reduces cavities across populations.
Because straighter teeth improve appearance, braces are often viewed as cosmetic only, and, historically, orthodontics was marketed for aesthetics, which reinforced the belief that function wasn’t a factor.
In reality, orthodontic treatment improves bite alignment, reduces risk of uneven wear, helps prevent TMJ issues, and makes oral hygiene more effective. The American Association of Orthodontists emphasizes the long-term health benefits beyond aesthetics, including better chewing function, easier cleaning, and better overall health.
Beyond a Beautiful Smile: Why Orthodontic Treatment is More than Just Cosmetic
The rise of natural health trends popularized charcoal, coconut oil (“oil pulling”), and baking soda as “safer” alternatives to fluoride toothpaste. These remedies are marketed as chemical-free and therefore healthier, fueling the myth.
The ADA warns that these alternatives do not strengthen enamel or prevent cavities. Charcoal is abrasive and can wear enamel, baking soda lacks fluoride protection, and oil pulling has no proven benefits beyond what regular brushing provides. Fluoride–in toothpaste, drinking water, and through topical application–remains essential for cavity prevention, especially for children, and is backed by decades of research.
When it comes to something as important as your family’s oral health, you want a team you can trust. At Dental Depot of Oklahoma, that team includes highly experienced providers with advanced education and specialized training from renowned institutions across the country and around the world. Their expertise spans preventive and restorative dentistry, orthodontics, implants, and more, ensuring comprehensive care for every stage of life. Since 1978, our patient-centered, commonsense approach has kept care accessible, compassionate, and affordable, while ongoing professional advancement, educational programs, and a dedication to continuous improvement have made us a trusted leader setting the standard of oral health care for your family today and for years to come.