Your oral health plays a huge role in your overall health, so it’s important to know the truth about common dental care myths.

Many people vastly underestimate the importance of oral health, but whether you want to believe it or not, the health of your teeth, gums and whole mouth actually plays an essential role in your overall health. Unfortunately, when it comes to dental care, there are a number of myths and misconceptions that could keep you from taking proper care of your teeth, gums and mouth. The good news is our dentist in Texarkana is here to debunk the common myths about dental care.

Myth #1. Baby teeth fall out, so there’s no need to care for them.

Many parents don’t overly concern themselves with their child’s baby teeth. After all, they’ll eventually fall out and be replaced with permanent teeth, so what’s the point? However, if you don’t take care of baby teeth, it can create many different problems when the permanent teeth eventually come in, like misalignment issues. Decay can also spread from the baby teeth to the permanent teeth underneath them. Regardless of whether your child’s permanent teeth have come in yet or not, it’s essential to take proper care of them.

Myth #2. You only need to see a dentist when you have a dental problem.

Dental problems are typically much easier (and much cheaper) to fix if you catch them early, but many of them aren’t obvious until they reach the later, more severe stages. Visiting your dentist every six months may seem like a waste of time and money if you feel that your teeth are healthy, but it’s actually an essential part of preventative care that can help you save a lot of money in dental care down the road.

Myth #3. Only children get cavities.

Although cavities are common in children because they tend to consume large amounts of sugar and don’t always take care of their teeth properly, cavities are one of the most common dental concerns for people of all ages. No matter how old you are, you are still prone to getting cavities, so it’s important to always take proper care of your teeth, regardless of your age.

Myth #4. If your gums are bleeding, you should stop brushing your teeth.

A little blood can be a scary thing, but just because you notice that your gums are bleeding, it doesn’t mean you should stop taking care of your teeth. The fact of the matter is that gums bleed because of a buildup of food debris and plaque that hasn’t been properly removed with flossing and brushing. Brushing and flossing twice a day can help to stop the bleeding, but if you are regularly seeing blood when you brush or floss, it’s time to visit your dentist.

Myth #5. Dental problems only affect your mouth.

The myth that dental problems only affect the mouth is probably the most dangerous dental care myth of all. The truth is that poor dental health can contribute to a number of health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes and even strokes. When your body is focusing all of its energy on constantly fighting off tooth decay, it makes it more susceptible to other infections. Luckily, it doesn’t take a lot of time or work to prevent dental problems that can affect your overall health; just brush and floss your teeth twice a day and visit your dentist every six months for your checkup.

Your dental health isn’t just important for a beautiful smile; it’s essential for your overall health, and it’s important not to let the common myths about dental care from getting the proper care you need. Whether you are ready to schedule your dental examination, or you have questions or concerns about the myths we’ve covered, please give us a call today!