Gum disease myths are much more common than you may believe, and these myths often affect patients’ access to care. The fact is, gum disease is a relatively common disorder that may be associated with other health issues, and having gum disease is not always associated with cavities or tooth loss.
Here Atlanta Smiles & Wellness, a family dental practice in Atlanta that offers comprehensive gum disease treatment, dispels a few of the most common myths about gum disease.
Myth 1: I don’t have cavities, so I don’t have gum disease
Just because you don’t have cavities, doesn’t mean you aren’t at risk for gum disease. Often, gum disease occurs without any obvious pain symptoms, so many people don’t realize they have it until the disease is in its later stages. Bleeding, swollen, or tender gums can be a sign of gingivitis, which is reversible. Daily brushing and flossing, as well as regular dental cleanings, can help prevent both gum disease and cavities.
Myth 2: Gum disease always causes tooth loss
Many people believe that gum disease causes tooth loss, but this isn’t always the case. Even if you do have gum disease, if you take care of your teeth with the help of a dentist, you don’t have to lose any teeth. Eating a healthy diet, cleaning your teeth twice a day, and receiving regular cleanings can help prevent the tooth loss commonly seen with gingivitis.
Myth 3: Gum disease isn’t a common issue
Gum disease is fairly common today, with approximately half of U.S. adults suffering from the oral health issue. Plaque buildup, as a result of accumulation of food debris and bacteria as well as poor oral health, causes most gum disease cases. Considering that dietary patterns are less than ideal in this day and age, it’s no wonder why many people have gingivitis or some other form of gum disease.
Myth 4: Gum disease can’t affect other aspects of health
Emerging research is showing that there is a link between gum disease and other diseases, including diabetes and heart disease. While there’s no conclusive evidence to suggest poor oral health causes certain diseases, the research that does exist suggests that maintaining good oral hygiene can help improve and maintain overall health.
Fight Gum Disease at Atlanta Smiles & Wellness
At Atlanta Smiles & Wellness, we’re experts at helping you fight gum disease. Our approach with deep cleanings, fluoride treatment, and at-home oral hygiene treatments is geared toward helping you improve the health of your teeth and gums. We also offer dental procedures to treat the various stages of gum disease. Gum disease treatments include scaling and root planing, and laser gum treatment. To learn more about our preventative and gum disease treatments, please call us today at (404) 262-7733.