Do Cavities Always Hurt? And Other Dental Myths Debunked

Debunking Dental Myths
June 17, 2025

 “If it doesn’t hurt, it must be fine” – A Dangerous Assumption About Dental Health

In many Indian households, oral health is only taken seriously when there’s pain. “No pain, no problem” is the common belief. But is that true? At Smiley Dental Treatment Centre Pvt Ltd, we often meet patients surprised to learn they’ve got advanced dental issues – without any symptoms.

Here’s a reality check: Not all cavities hurt. In fact, the most dangerous ones often don’t – until it’s too late.

Why Our Diet Makes Us More Prone
Indian diets – rich in starch, sugar, sticky sweets like rosogolla, jalebi, or even frequent tea with sugar – create a perfect breeding ground for dental decay. The soft, frequent meals mean food particles stay stuck in the crevices of our teeth. But here’s the twist: our pain threshold and nerve reaction may delay symptoms of decay. So by the time you feel that “tinge,” your cavity could already be heading toward a root canal.

Top Dental Myths—Busted

  1. “If there’s no pain, there’s no problem”
    Reality: Decay begins quietly. X-rays and intraoral camera exams at a trusted dental clinic like ours in Kolkata can detect issues early.
  2. “Charcoal or salt will naturally whiten teeth”
    These internet trends can erode enamel and cause sensitivity. A study in the Journal of the American Dental Association warns against abrasive DIY methods that harm long-term dental health.
  3. “Children don’t need dental checkups – their teeth fall out anyway”
    Neglecting baby teeth can damage permanent teeth and jaw alignment. The Indian Society of Pedodontics confirms early intervention reduces lifelong dental issues.
  4. “Scaling makes teeth loose”
    Gum disease is what loosens teeth – not dental prophylaxis (commonly known as scaling). Regular professional Oral Prophylaxis actually prevents bone loss.

The Internet: A Double-Edged Sword
While awareness is growing, misinformation is rampant. Social media “dental influencers” often promote DIY kits or over-the-counter products without medical backing. As quality-conscious individuals, always verify sources. At Smiley Dental Treatment Centre Pvt Ltd, we recommend treatments based on evidence-based protocols, not trends.

Why Regular Checkups Matter
A six-monthly visit to your dentist is like a health audit for your mouth. With digital RVG and intraoral camera consultation, we show patients what we see – reducing fear and increasing trust.

Bottom Line:
Just because your teeth aren’t hurting doesn’t mean they’re healthy. Make your oral health a part of your wellness journey—just like fitness and nutrition.

Visit Smiley Dental Treatment Centre Pvt Ltd at GE-78, Rajdanga Main Road, near Ruby Hospital & Taj Vivanta, Kolkata.Your trusted Dental Clinic for prevention, not panic.

Edited by Dr Sourav Ghosh (MDS); Gold Medalist
Clinical Head at Smiley Dental Treatment Centre Pvt Ltd