5 Myths About Gum Disease
Gum disease is easily the biggest threat that your teeth will face during your lifetime. The amount of teeth that are stolen by this disease is staggering, and even more, it is all preventable. Gum disease is not a death sentence for your teeth unless you do nothing to stop it. The trick is figuring out what the signs of gum disease are and what you need to do if you find out that you may be in danger.
Gum Disease Is Easy To Miss
Of all of the things that can hurt your teeth, gum disease is the easiest by far to miss. More than 47 percent of the population suffers from some degree of gum disease. If you are 65 or older, that number jumps to 70 percent. How is it that in today’s world, with so much information at our fingertips, that so many people can suffer from a completely preventable disease? The answer is that people don’t know the warning signs, and if they do, they don’t take them seriously.
There are five major myths that contribute to the nonchalance many people show toward gum disease and its potential for tooth destruction. Knowing what those myths are and why they are untrue is a big part of figuring out how to begin to win this war that is being waged on the mouths of our country.
Myth #1 – Bleeding Gums Are Normal
This is totally false! Your gums are not supposed to bleed unless you have done something to them to cause them to bleed, and brushing your teeth is not one of those things (unless you’re brushing too hard). When your gums bleed after you brush, you are probably suffering from a condition called gingivitis. Gingivitis is the beginning stage of gum disease. It is important to point out that pretty much all gum disease starts out as gingivitis, but not all gingivitis will progress to the level of full-blown gum disease. This is just the start and is easier to treat than the more advanced stages of gum disease. If you have gums that bleed after a routine brushing, you should immediately call Hellertown Dental Group for an appointment. We will develop a treatment plan to help you get your mouth back to the level of health it should be at.
Myth #2 – Flossing Isn’t That Important
Another untruth. Flossing is an important part of keeping your gums healthy and far from the risk of gum disease. In fact, flossing is one of the most effective ways of keeping your gums safe from developing gum disease in between dental visits. Dr. Hunsicker-Morrissey does not tell you to floss just for her satisfaction. In fact, it is solely for your health that she says it. Here are some recommended flossers and oral irrigators.
Myth #3 – You Can’t Replace Teeth Lost To Gum Disease
If you have already lost a tooth or teeth to gum disease you still have tooth replacement options. Just because gum disease robbed you of some teeth does not mean your smile is gone forever. There are dental options that can give you new replacement teeth and even help to rebuild the gum tissue that the disease destroyed. Your smile can be as bright and beautiful as it ever was. Call Hellertown Dental Group to discuss your options and how we can help you.
Myth #4 – Only Bad Hygiene Causes Gum Disease
The only thing that causes gum disease is an excess of bacteria around your gumline. Bad hygiene is one way of getting to the level of bacteria that is necessary for this disease to begin to take root. Tobacco use is another that causes this and many other dental problems for people. Genetics, age, and bad luck are some other causes that can contribute to the beginnings of gum disease. So, even if you have impeccable dental hygiene habits, you may still be in danger of gum disease.
Myth #5 – You Have To See A Periodontist For Gum Disease Treatment
A periodontist is a dental professional who specializes in gum care. This does not mean that your actual dentist is not capable of or trained in treating your gum disease. Hellertown Dental Group takes pride in the fact that we are able to treat your gum disease in a minimally invasive and almost completely pain-free way. There is no need for an expensive trip to a specialist to have your gum disease taken care of.
Call Hellertown Dental Group today to have your gums inspected for the presence of gum disease. You can reach our Hellertown, PA office at (610) 838-0131 to schedule your appointment. Our online form is also available to schedule your appointment.
