How much do you really know about gum disease? This oral health issue is estimated to affect nearly half of all adults over the age of 30 in the United States. But despite how widespread gum disease is, there are a lot of myths about it floating around. To ensure you have all the information you need to maintain a healthy smile, here’s the truth behind 4 common misconceptions about gum disease.
Myth 1: If You Don’t Have Cavities, You Don’t Have Gum Disease
If your teeth are free of cavities, it can be easy to assume that your gums are in good shape as well. Sadly, this is not always the case. No matter how healthy your teeth are, there’s always a possibility of harmful oral bacteria causing an infection in your gums. Furthermore, gum disease doesn’t always cause obvious symptoms in its earliest stages, so you may not even realize that you have it at first. In short, the absence of cavities in no way means that you don’t have to worry about the health of your gums.
Myth 2: Gum Disease is Only Caused by Poor Oral Hygiene
It’s no secret that poor oral hygiene habits can often lead to gum disease, but this is far from the only possible cause. There are several other factors that can increase your risk of developing a gum infection, such as tobacco products, hormonal changes caused by pregnancy, and certain systemic health conditions such as diabetes. Being aware of these factors is vital if you want to protect your gums.
Myth 3: Gum Disease Only Causes Problems for the Mouth
Despite what you might think, the negative impact of gum disease isn’t limited to the mouth. The condition could give harmful bacteria the opportunity to enter the bloodstream and cause problems in other parts of the body. Consequently, untreated gum disease could potentially increase your risk of a heart attack and other serious health issues.
Myth 4: Gum Disease Always Results in Losing Teeth
Tooth loss is often a consequence of gum disease, but fortunately, it is by no means inevitable. There are various ways that your dentist can treat the problem and prevent it from growing worse; for example, they can perform scaling and root planing to remove much of the bacteria that are contributing to the infection. Having your gum disease addressed as quickly as possible can go a long way toward minimizing your risk for tooth loss.
Learning the truth behind gum disease myths can leave you better equipped to take proper care of your smile. If there’s anything else you want to know about gum disease, don’t hesitate to ask your dentist during your next appointment.
About the Author
Dr. Dan Greenwood studied dentistry at The Ohio State University, and he has been operating Greenwood Dental in Sagamore Hills since 1998. He currently holds membership with the American Dental Association, the Ohio Dental Association, and the Cleveland Dental Society. He is proud to offer various forms of gum disease treatment, including scaling and root planing. If you are worried about the health of your gums, you can schedule a consultation with Dr. Greenwood by visiting his website or calling (330) 467-2522.