Busting 4 Common Myths About Gum Disease!

Do you have gums that are sore, red, and bleed easily? Gum disease is very common. In fact, approximately half of Americans over the age of 30 are suffering from gum disease at one severity or another. However, there is all sorts of misinformation floating around online, so it can be difficult to know what is reliable. Continue reading to learn about some of the most common myths out there and why they are incorrect.

Myth #1: Gum Disease Is Rare

While you may have previously thought that gum disease was uncommon, as previously stated, 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.

Myth #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 gum line. If your gums are bleeding when you eat, brush, or floss, you should bring this up to your dentist.

Myth #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.

Myth #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.

Don’t fall for the misinformation that you see online. If you think you may be showing symptoms of gum disease, it’s a good idea to inform your dentist. This way, you can prioritize the health of your gums and the rest of your smile!

About the Practice

At Ellicott City Smiles Dental Group, we have a team of four skilled dentists providing quality care to patients in the Ellicott City community. With their combined experience and expertise, patients can get pretty much anything they need conveniently under one roof. If you think that you may have gum disease, we’d be happy to help! For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit our website or call (410) 465-3224.