3 Common Myths About Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease. You've likely heard the term before, but might not know too much about it. You may even have heard ideas about it that aren't true. If you're looking to learn more about this condition, keep reading. Here you will discover some of the most common gum disease myths.

Myth #1: It is normal for gums to bleed when brushing or flossing.

Some people, when noticing that their gums bleed after brushing, may not think it is a big deal. They may just believe they didn't brush gently enough. While it is true that gums may bleed from improper brushing, bleeding gums are also a common sign of gum disease. For this reason, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist if you notice this sign. Gum disease, if left untreated, can result in bad breath, teeth sensitivity, and even the loss of teeth. Because of this, it is important to catch it early in order to get treatment recommendations.

Myth #2: Gum disease isn't all that common.

Many people believe that gum disease is rare and so don't worry about getting it. But the truth is that gum disease is actually quite common. In fact, one study found that 1 in 2 U.S. adults over the age of 30 had some form of periodontal disease. Because of this, it is important to take steps to lower your risk of getting it. One way you can do this is by not only brushing but flossing daily. If you smoke, you may consider reducing how often you do it, as this habit can increase your gum disease risk. Finally, if you have a family member with gum disease, you will want to take extra care of your oral health. This is because gum disease can be influenced by genetics.

Myth #3: The health of your gums has nothing to do with the rest of your body.

While some people believe that the health of their gums will only affect their teeth, research suggests that this might not be the case. Periodontal disease has been linked to such problems as diabetes, heart problems, and certain cancers. While the causal relationship between health problems and gum disease is not yet clear, it is still a good idea to practice good dental habits as part of an overall health plan.

Now that you've learned more about gum disease myths, you will be better equipped to prevent and treat the condition. Talk to a dentist, such as one from Alegre Dental and Braces, for more information on periodontal disease.