In our first installment exploring some of the most common dental health myths, we examined how tooth pain and dental x-rays are two myths to be busted.
Part two of this series identifies a couple more myths we need to dispel, much to the detriment of our dental health.
Dental Health Myth #3: Bleeding Gums Are Completely Normal
Bleeding gums is often times one of the first noticeable signs of gum disease, which left untreated can progress into full blow periodontitis – the most advanced stage of gum disease.
This goes well past the bleeding gums concerns, it has been shown that the infection & inflammation associated with gum disease (periodontitis) also has an impact on other overall health issues, such as:
– Stroke
– Respiratory Disease
– Heart Disease
– Diabetes
– Conception & Prenatal Health
– Prostate Health
– Psoriasis
– Mental Health
According to recent findings from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), half of Americans aged 30 or older have periodontitis, the more advanced form of periodontal disease. (Source: Perio.org)
This equals approximately 64.7 million Americans!
Lesson: Bleeding gums are in no way normal, it is a sure sign that we should visit the dentist ASAP.
Ignoring gums that are bleeding will only lead to more severe periodontitis, along with a more costly treatment plan to bring our teeth and gums back to a state of optimal oral health.
Dental Health Myth #4: Going to the Dentist is Too Expensive.
Another irrational rationalization that is often heard accompanying the monetary concern related to dental health care is, “if my dental insurance doesn’t cover the treatment, then it isn’t worth doing.”
This type of financial health calculating will land us in the poor house – with poorer oral & overall health – quicker than our toothless mouths can say “sufferin succotash.”
Prevention is the key to keeping dental health care expenses in check.
Lesson: By visiting our trusted local dentists at least twice a year, we are taking responsibility for our own oral health and limiting the possible progression of potentially harmful dental health maladies requiring more costly treatment.
It stands to reason that treatment of more severe dental conditions is obviously significantly more expensive than treating the beginning stages of dental health related disease or conditions.
Saving Money on Dental Health Starts With Prevention
“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
Do you think Ben Franklin had dental health on the brain with that little piece of wisdom?
Probably not, but if we choose to consistently take care of our teeth and gums with a daily DIY dental health regimen, we can save ourselves some Benjamins when it comes to visiting our dentists for the standard bi-annual checkups and cleanings.
Dental Health Myths We Should All Bust
We don’t need to allow these dental health myths to permeate our thinking while negatively impacting our oral & overall health.
If we have concerns or notice some warning signs, the first thing we need to do is talk to our dentists. Ignoring the issue will only lead to bigger problems in the future, requiring more expensive treatment.
Whether we’re talking about saving money at the dentist, or the possible correlations between oral health and overall health, one point remains…
Ultimately, we are responsible for our own dental health.
