Are Composite Fillings Safe? Debunking Common Myths

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An amalgam filling, sometimes known as those silver fillings you see when you smile, is a tooth cavity filling that lasts roughly ten years. It is made of a mixture of mercury, silver, copper, tin, and zinc. If you required a filling, amalgam fillings were once your only option. But over time, alternatives like resin-based composites have become more popular, and dental amalgam use has decreased. You can reach out to a dentist in Devon and learn more about composite fillings. Also, why should you choose resin composite fillings instead of amalgam ones? 

What are Composite Fillings?

Composite dental fillings near you are a great alternative for teeth that are exposed or apparent when you talk or smile, since they are a tooth-colored mixture of plastic and ceramic.

Myths About Composite Fillings

Myth: Genetics has a role in tooth loss. 

Tooth loss is mostly prevented, in contrast to the common misconception that it is inherited. Cavities are the most prevalent cause of tooth loss, although they can be prevented with good oral care. You may enjoy your beautiful whites for a lifetime with preventative care, frequent dental checkups, and daily, thorough brushing and flossing. 

Myth: There is no link between your general health and oral health.

Gum disease is brought on by poor oral hygiene, causing major problems like cardiovascular disease, dementia. Furthermore, certain illnesses like diabetes and HIV/AIDS can weaken your body’s defenses against infection and exacerbate issues with your dental health. Consequently, maintaining your dental fillings in Devon is an investment in your general well-being.

Myth: Dentures are cleaner when brushed harder.

While it’s crucial to brush your teeth completely, overly vigorous brushing can damage the enamel, result in discoloration, and create sensitivity. Furthermore, overly vigorous brushing might harm your gums and perhaps cause them to shrink and bleed. Therefore, when brushing your teeth, it’s ideal to use a toothbrush with soft bristles and not use too much pressure. 

Myth: When you clean your teeth doesn’t really matter.

Two minutes of tooth brushing twice a day is advised by the dentist near you. It’s crucial to think about the timing of your tooth brushing in addition to the twice-daily norm. Due to the slowed production of antimicrobial saliva, your teeth are particularly susceptible to chemicals that cause cavities and gum disease when you sleep. Therefore, it’s strongly advised that you brush your teeth both before bed and when you wake up. 

Myth: Chewing gum is an equal substitute for brushing your teeth.

While there are benefits to chewing gum for dental health, brushing your teeth is still the most important oral hygiene practice. Sugar-free gum reduces oral bacteria, promotes salivation, and improves breath quality, but it cannot get rid of the sticky plaque that accumulates on your teeth. 

Myth: Poor dental care from the previous six months might be concealed by giving your teeth a thorough brushing right before a dental hygiene session.

Your dentist will be able to determine your usual habits, even if you take great care of your teeth and floss before your dental hygiene visit. During your dental hygiene appointment, your gums will appear swollen, red, and possibly even bleeding if you don’t floss. Gum bleeding and a high tartar buildup are telltale signs of inadequate dental hygiene.

Advantages of Composite Fillings

  • Maintains the tooth’s natural structure and improves the appearance of the wearer’s teeth and smile
  • Keeps the teeth safe from germs and cavities
  • Enhances the strength and functionality of teeth
  • Restores worn-down, chipped, and decaying teeth Taking good care of the mouth and teeth is essential to reaching optimal general health.

The dental staff at Devon Dental Associates can assist you in achieving optimal oral health, ranging from routine examinations to in-office teeth whitening procedures to dental crowns and implants. Make an online appointment or give our clinic a call to arrange a dental appointment.