Gum disease is a serious issue that, if left untreated, can cause some significant problems for your mouth, and the rest of your body. It can even lead to tooth loss.
Gum disease affects nearly half of all Americans, yet most of them are unaware that they even have it in the first place. It could be due to the fact that there are so many myths surrounding the problem. Knowing the truth from fiction is imperative in your oral health.
Myth #1: Bleeding Gums Aren’t a Big Deal
It’s easy to ignore bleeding gums, writing the symptom off as the result of brushing or flossing too hard. However, red, swollen gums that bleed are an important indicator of the earliest signs of gum disease. Don’t ignore bleeding gums. Catching gum disease early on can help you to prevent serious issues later on.
Myth #2: Flossing Isn’t Necessary
You know that brushing at least twice a day is essential for removing plaque and bacteria from the surface of your teeth. So, you don’t need to floss, right? Wrong.
Flossing is just as important as brushing, and should be done at least once a day. In doing so, you remove plaque, bacteria and stuck food particles from between your teeth and just below the gum line, areas where your toothbrush cannot reach.
Myth #3: You Can Only Get Gum Disease if You Have Poor Oral Hygiene
While poor oral hygiene is the most common cause of gum disease, it is not the only cause. Other factors that can increase your risk of gum disease include:
• Tobacco use.
• Stress.
• Poor diet.
• Genetics.
Myth #4: Tooth Loss is Permanent
While you can’t replace the actual tooth if you lose it as a result of gum disease, that does not mean tooth loss is permanent. There are many replacement options available that restore your smile, and the function of your teeth. Speak with your dentist to learn which options are best for you.
Separating fact from fiction is an important factor to getting the help you need to treat gum disease. Brushing and flossing regularly are essential to its prevention, but so, too, are regular visits to your dentist. If you suspect something is wrong, contact our office right away.
Summary
If you would like more information on the facts about gum disease and how you can protect yourself from long-term oral or overall health issues, we’d love to have you give us a call today, at: (410) 260-0790.