Gum disease continues to be a serious oral health concern. Despite this, there is a shocking amount of misinformation on the topic! To help you distinguish between what’s true and false, keep reading to learn a few common gum disease myths and why they simply aren’t true.
Myth #1: Gum Disease Is Rare
Sadly, this is not the case. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently shared that 50% of adults over the age of 29 have some form of gum disease. As a result, it’s crucial that you implement a solid oral hygiene routine and visit your dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning.
Myth #2: My Teeth Are Healthy, So My Gums Are Healthy!
In short, “cavity-free” doesn’t mean “infection-free.” In other words, it is possible to develop gum disease even if your teeth are healthy. That’s why it’s important to keep an eye out for warning signs, like red, inflamed, and irritated gums. You should also prioritize your biannual visits to your dentist’s office so they can periodically screen for gum disease, oral cancer, and other conditions that can exist even if a cavity isn’t present.
Myth #3: Gum Disease = Tooth Loss
While gum disease can result in tooth loss in the advanced stages, it isn’t inevitable. If caught in the early stages, the intervention might be as simple as implementing a solid oral hygiene routine. Scaling and root planing and a gingivectomy are also treatment options that can help treat the infection before it progresses to that level.
Myth #4: Bleeding Gums Are Normal
Contrary to popular belief, bleeding gums are not normal. Abnormal symptoms like these warrant a visit to your dentist’s office, especially if it’s been more than six months since your last exam and cleaning. At your appointment, they will check on the condition of your gums, determining the root of the problem in the process. If it is gum disease, then they will put a treatment plan in place to address the infection.
Myth #5: Chronic Bad Breath Stems from Gum Disease
Chronic bad breath could be the result of several things, not just gum disease. Therefore, it’s important not to jump to conclusions. If you’re consistently struggling with a foul odor on your breath, try cutting back on pungent foods (like onions and garlic) and implementing a solid oral hygiene routine. If the issue persists, schedule an appointment with your dentist so they can determine the cause.
If you’d like to fact-check something you’ve heard about gum disease, don’t hesitate to talk to your dentist!
About the Practice
While our team at West Brookfield Dental does our best to help patients keep their smiles decay and infection-free, we also know it’s normal for an issue or two to develop over the years. The good news is that we also offer a wide range of restorative treatments, including periodontal care. As a result, you can turn to the same familiar faces whether you’re coming in for a routine cleaning or to restore your healthy smile. If you have a question about gum disease or you’d like to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to visit our website or call (508) 867-2777.
