Do your gums bleed when you brush or floss? You probably have gum disease, also called periodontal disease. While most people are concerned about how white their teeth look, many fail to pay equal importance to gum health. If you have signs of periodontal disease, it is important to check with your dentist in Fairhope, AL, for an oral exam. There are several misconceptions and myths about gum disease, and in this post, we are debunking a few of them.
Myth 1: Only poor oral hygiene is a cause of gum disease
While the lack of oral hygiene habits can lead to gum disease, it isn’t the only factor. There are also risk factors for gum disease, including use of certain medications and smoking. Poor nutrition, hormonal changes during pregnancy, and genetics also affect gum health. If you smoke or use tobacco, now is the time to stop.
Myth 2: Occasional gum bleeding is normal
Bleeding from your gums is not normal – Period. Bleeding gums indicate inflammation and are considered one of the first signs of gum disease. This stage of gum disease is called gingivitis, and this is usually treatable. Your dentist will do a complete oral exam to confirm the diagnosis.
Myth 3: It is impossible to reverse gum disease
Unlike cavities that cannot be healed or reversed, gum disease is treatable. In fact, with a change in oral hygiene habits and professional dental care, you may not have any symptoms of the condition at all! The more advanced stage of gum disease is called periodontitis, which is harder to treat but can still be addressed.
Myth 4: Root planing and scaling are painful procedures
These are deep cleaning procedures that are usually suggested for mild to moderate gum disease. If you have evident signs of plaque and tartar buildup, with symptoms like bleeding and swollen gums, your dentist will recommend root planing and scaling. These procedures are done under local anesthesia and do not hurt.
Myth 5: Gum disease will cause teeth to fall off
While advanced gum disease can cause teeth loss without treatment, it is not always true. That’s one of the many reasons why periodic oral exams are so necessary. Even if you don’t have signs of periodontal disease, your dentist may spot gum disease during a checkup. Focus on early diagnosis and treatment if you want to avoid risking your teeth.
Myth 6: Periodontal disease is not serious
If you have periodontal disease, you have to seek treatment. Don’t assume tender and swollen gums will heal naturally. If not treated, you may have to deal with infections, teeth loss, and damage to the bone. Also, periodontal disease has been linked to a number of other health concerns, including cardiac problems.
Myth 7: Advanced gum disease cannot be treated
As we discussed earlier, it is possible to treat gum disease, even at advanced stages. However, you may now need more invasive treatments beyond root planing and scaling. Your dentist will explain the options, but usually, patients need procedures like pocket reduction surgery, gum grafting, and bone grafting.
Final thoughts
As long as you focus on brushing and flossing your teeth regularly, you can prevent gum disease. It is particularly important to brush your teeth before going to bed to prevent plaque buildup. You also need to go for regular dental cleanings, which take less than an hour and are much simpler than deep cleaning procedures like scaling. Your dentist will also share the products you can use to protect your teeth and keep your gums healthy.
If you haven’t scheduled an appointment at your dental clinic in Fairhope in the last few months, call today!