Do you have achy red gums that bleed easily? Gum disease is fairly common, but just like many other conditions, people don’t tend to know much about it. There are all sorts of misconceptions floating around the internet, so you shouldn’t always believe what you read. It pays to be well-informed about some of the most common myths out there and why they are incorrect. Read on to learn about the most popular misinformation.
1: Gum Disease Is Rare
While you may have previously thought that gum disease was uncommon, nearly half of American adults over the age of 30 are suffering from gum disease at one severity or another. Many people don’t even know that they have the condition. By attending regular dental cleanings and checkups, you can learn more about your gum health so you can keep it in check.
2: Bleeding Gums Is Normal
There are all sorts of reasons why your gums may bleed. For instance, if you brush your teeth too vigorously, you may notice some bleeding. However, most of the time, bleeding gums is an indicator that you’re suffering from gum disease. This condition is caused by food debris and bacteria buildup on the teeth and beneath the gumline. If your gums are bleeding when you eat, brush, or floss, you should bring this up to your dentist.
3: Gum Disease Isn’t Serious
Because gum disease is so incredibly common, it must not be so serious right? Wrong! Gum disease doesn’t just affect your oral health. It also affects your physical health in numerous different ways. Ultimately, it is a serious infection of the gums that can spread to your bloodstream if it isn’t treated in a timely manner. For pregnant women, gum disease can affect the unborn baby’s health as well. Gum disease can also lead to tooth loss, lowering your ability to eat and therefore affecting your nutrition.
4: Gum Disease Is Irreversible
You may think that your smile is too damaged to save, but that is never the case. After addressing the infection with antibiotics and/or another treatment, you can begin the process of restoring your smile. While issues like gum recession can’t be entirely reversed, there are all sorts of treatment options out there that can give you your smile back, like dental implants if you have lost teeth due to gum disease.
You shouldn’t believe everything you see online. Do your own research! By staying well informed, you are on your way to achieving healthy gums.
About the Author
Dr. Christina Papageorgiou is an experienced dentist who has been working in the field for over two decades. She earned her dental doctorate from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. Currently, she is a proud member of the American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, Metropolitan District Dental Society, and the Massachusetts Dental Society. For more information on gum disease or to schedule an appointment at her office in Natick, visit her website or call (508) 545-1126.