Common Misconceptions About Gum Disease

Gum disease is a severe problem that can negatively affect your overall health. You may have heard of it in other contexts, like bad breath, plaque buildup, and cavities.
But you may not know that those are all signs of gum disease, which can be very serious. It can lead to gum recession, gingivitis and even tooth loss.

Symptoms of gum disease: If our patients have more information about dental health problems, they will avoid them better. Periodontal diseases are an illness of gum and bone. We always warn patients about risks that accompany the periodontal disease, such as :

• Bad breath
• Loss of teeth
• Systemic disease

You shall be aware that there are many common misconceptions about the disease. So to help you understand better, we’ve decided to bust some myths today!

Gingivitis and periodontitis are referred to as gum disease or periodontal disease when they occur together.

Deep cleaning: The first line of defence against gum disease is a thorough cleaning. Unlike a standard cleaning, which is usually only done above the gum line, a deep cleaning is done below.

This is not true. Bleeding gums are the first sign of disease and, if not treated, will lead to severe gum disease (periodontal disease). When plaque accumulates on the teeth and around the gum line, gum tends to swell, bleed, become tender and painful.

You can keep your gum healthy by flossing and brushing daily and getting regular dental scaling that helps remove plaques and calculus at your dentist.

Many factors contribute to disease, and poor oral hygiene (not flossing and brushing) is only one. Other factors include:

• Tobacco use
• Stress
• Bad diet
• Genetics
• Certain illnesses such as diabetes
• Pregnancy

Do not think because you do not have any cavities. You are also not having gum disease. Gingivitis or gum disease is entirely painless initially, and the leading signs are bleeding gum. That’s why good oral hygiene and twice-yearly visits to your dentist for a check-up is essential for your oral health, even if you don’t have a cavity.

Can gum disease be cured?

Stage of gum disease: We want our patients to know that gum disease, if untreated, can be irreversible. However, you have enough time to prevent such oral health issues before that happens. Therefore, it is better to find gingivitis early. Because it will be easier to eliminate it and prevent it from becoming an extreme case of periodontitis. However, the good news is if caught on time, it can be treated easily. 

Gum disease prevention

Brush your teeth and gum line twice a day before going to bed and in the morning. Use fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush with a tiny head—floss to clean between the teeth. Alternatively, a dentist or oral health professional may propose another instrument.

Gum disease is much more common in adults, but that doesn’t mean that children cannot be prone to it. For example, children genetically disposed of or have certain systemic diseases such as diabetes or autoimmune disease are more susceptible to gingivitis.
In addition, children at puberty are more in danger of having gum disease due to hormonal changes. To protect our children against gum disease best, take them to the dentist at least twice a year and ensure they have the best oral hygiene at home.

If you have diabetes, you are certainly at high risk of getting gingivitis, but it is not inevitable. To prevent this, you need to visit your dentist as frequent as possible and have the best oral hygiene at home.

In addition, routine Teeth cleaning and scaling will prevent irreversible damage to your gum and bone. Proper blood glucose control can also help you lower your risk.