Busting Myths and Brightening Smiles: A Big Week for Our Dental Unit

At BCHS, we love a good reason to smile, and this week gave us over 50 of them! Our dental unit had an incredible week, providing dental screenings to more than 50 children during events in four communities across the city: Chalmette, Gentilly, Avondale, and New Orleans East.

These screenings marked a powerful step forward as we continue to rev up our services and bring oral health care directly to the neighborhoods that need it most. From giggles in waiting rooms to tiny “aaahhs” in dental chairs, every child we saw was a reminder of why we do this work.

Alongside celebrating a successful week, we also want to take a moment to share some common dental myths. Let’s break down 3 un-“tooths” about oral health:

Un"tooth" #1: “Baby teeth don’t matter — they’re just going to fall out anyway.”

The Real "Tooth": Baby teeth play a huge role in your child’s development. They help with proper speech, chewing, and saving space for permanent teeth. Neglecting them can lead to infections, pain, and long-term dental issues.

Un"tooth" #2: “If my teeth don’t hurt, they must be healthy.”

The Real "Tooth": Cavities and gum disease don’t always cause pain right away. Regular checkups are essential to catch problems before they become painful — and expensive. Preventive care is key!

Un"tooth" #3: “Kids only need to brush once a day.”

The Real "Tooth": Brushing twice a day for two minutes — once in the morning and once before bed — is the gold standard. Combine that with daily flossing and regular checkups, and your child’s smile will be well protected.

We're thrilled to have kicked off this phase of dental care getting to host events all across our city that make oral healthcare more accessible and convenient for families than ever — and we’re just getting started. To every family who came out, thank you for trusting us with your child’s oral health. We look forward to continuing to serve you!

If you missed the screenings — don’t worry! More events are on the way. Stay connected with us on social media (Instagram @bchsnola, Facebook @BCHSnola, or on LinkedIn) for updates on upcoming locations and services. If your organization is interested in partnering with BCHS to bring care to your local community, email us at info@bchsnola.org.

Until then, keep brushing, keep flossing, and keep smiling!