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Feb 03, 2022
Gum disease is quite prevalent in people above 30 and results from poor oral hygiene. The build-up of bacteria in the mouth leads to the formation of plaque that hardens into tartar along the gum line and leads to pain, swelling, redness and bleeding.
Also known as periodontal disease, it is an inflammatory dental condition that can damage the connective tissue that connects the tooth to the bone and leads to tooth loss. It usually begins with gingivitis and turns severe if left untreated.
Many people do not take the condition seriously and lose their natural teeth because of the common myths. So, here are a few myths debunked by professional dentists Hope Island to help you take cognizance of the problem and get it treated on time to avoid any complications.
Myth: Gum bleeding is normal
Fact: Many people experience gum bleeding while brushing or eating hard food. It should not be ignored and must be examined by the dentist as it could be gingivitis or the onset of the periodontal disease. Gingivitis can be easily treated by cleaning of the teeth by the dentist to remove the deposits.
Myth: Gum disease is a result of cavities
Fact: Cavities and gum disease are not related. They can exist independently in the mouth. If you do not have cavities, it does not guarantee that you will not have gum disease. The bacteria build-up in the mouth causes gingivitis. Thus, brushing twice a day and flossing helps in removing plaque and calculus from the teeth so that they do not affect the gums.
Myth: Gum disease is not a severe condition
Fact: Ignoring swelling of gums, redness, or bleeding is not a wise decision as it can lead to tooth loss and various other health problems that affect other parts of the body. It can escalate troubles like heart disease, stroke, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and even create complications during pregnancy in women who are expecting.
The accumulation of bacteria over a long period causes extreme inflammation that impacts the flow of blood and can affect the blood vessels connected to the brain and the heart. Since dental health and the overall health of the body are correlated, it is imperative to keep the mouth and teeth clean.
Myth: Periodontal disease always results in tooth loss
Fact: If you are diagnosed with gum disease or suspect gingivitis, it does not mean that you are going to lose your teeth. The first step is to get your teeth examined by the dentist. They will monitor the condition and start your treatment and will save your teeth by cleaning up the tartar and plaque.
You will have to be extra careful with your oral hygiene and brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, followed by flossing between the teeth. You must visit your dentist often to keep the bacteria build-up in check.
Also, improve your diet plan and include foods that strengthen your teeth and eliminate sugary and sticky foods and drinks. In addition, if you visit a dentist too late and it is impossible to save the natural tooth, you can get an implant that looks exactly like a natural tooth and helps to maintain the bite and chewing capacity of your jaw.
Myth: Gingivitis is only caused by a lack of oral hygiene
Fact: It is a myth that gingivitis is only caused by a lack of brushing and flossing. A few other factors are also responsible for this condition, such as the use of tobacco, high quantity of unhealthy or junk food consumption, stressful lifestyle, and it can even be passed on from parents to children as a hereditary disease.
Thus, if you are brushing and flossing regularly, it does not guarantee that you will not get gum disease. You must schedule appointments with your dentist regularly to understand your oral health status.
Myth: Flossing cannot prevent gingivitis
Fact: Most people consider flossing to be a waste of time and avoid it. They do not think that it will help them to remove bacteria. However, flossing is as important as brushing.
Since the brush head is not able to reach the gaps between teeth where small food particles get stuck and produce bacteria, using the floss becomes necessary. It aids in getting rid of plaque that can cause swelling and bleeding of gums.
Myth: Diabetes causes gum disease
Fact: It is not entirely a myth, as diabetes causes the blood vessels to become thick and impacts blood sugar levels. High sugar levels can affect the eyes, heart, kidneys, and other parts of the body. It can also reduce the ability of the body to fight infection and delay the healing of wounds and injuries.
It can aggravate dental problems and put the patient at risk of developing gum disease. Thus, people with diabetes must keep their sugar levels in control and often visit the dentist.
Conclusion
Experiencing gum problems is common after a certain age and should not be overlooked because of the myths. It is better to get your teeth examined by a reputed dentist in Hope Island to nip the problem in the bud and keep your mouth healthy.
