Cavities are so common that everyone has an opinion—and a lot of those opinions are wrong. Clearing a few myths actually makes prevention easier.
Myth 1: “Only sweets cause cavities.”
Sugar is a big part of the story, but not the only one. Starchy snacks—chips, biscuits, crackers—also break down into sugars and cling to teeth. Frequent snacking, not just chocolate, keeps mouth acids high for longer.
Myth 2: “If my teeth don’t hurt, they’re fine.”
Early cavities often don’t hurt at all. Pain usually means the decay has gone deep, near the nerve. Regular check-ups catch problems before they need big treatments.
Myth 3: “Kids’ milk teeth don’t matter, they’ll fall anyway.”
Badly decayed baby teeth can cause pain, infections, and even affect the alignment of permanent teeth. Learning good habits early is almost more important in kids.
Myth 4: “Brushing hard cleans better.”
Brushing too hard or with a hard brush can wear down enamel and irritate gums. Gentle, thorough brushing with proper technique is far more effective.
Myth 5: “Cavities are only from bad luck or ‘weak teeth’.”
Yes, genetics and enamel quality matter, but daily habits—diet, brushing, fluoride, dental visits—play a huge role in cavity risk.
Once you drop the myths, prevention becomes clearer: smart snacking, good cleaning, fluoride toothpaste, and regular dental checks. Simple, not fancy.
