4 PERIODONTAL DISEASE MYTHS EXPLAINED

From pain and severe discoloration to receding gums and tooth loss, living with periodontal disease can be physically and emotionally overwhelming. If you brush, floss, and see your dentist regularly, you have less risk of developing periodontal disease. However, gum disease can develop and progress quickly, so properly understanding the signs and dangers of this dental condition is imperative.

Unfortunately, you may believe a few common myths regarding gum disease, which could be preventing you from seeking out proper care. This guide and your dentist's help will teach you the truths behind a few common periodontal disease myths.

1. Periodontal Disease Is Rare

One common myth many people believe is that periodontal disease is rare. Therefore, you may think you could never develop gum disease. In actuality, gum disease is very common.

While surprising to learn, 47.2 percent of adults who are 30 years of age or older have some form of periodontal disease.

In addition, adults are not the only ones who develop gum disease. On average, 50 percent of children have a form of periodontal disease too.

2. Bleeding Gums Are Normal

There are many reasons why your gums would bleed occasionally. For example, if you brush your teeth too hard with a hard-bristled toothbrush, you may notice some bleeding. Unfortunately, bleeding gums is most likely an indicator that you have inflammation caused by periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease is caused by food and bacteria that builds up on the teeth and gum tissue. This residue can be difficult to remove, since it hardens from plaque to tartar on the gum line over time. The heavy buildup of plaque and tartar irritates the gum tissue, causing inflammation, pain, and swelling.

If your gums are bleeding even lightly when eating, brushing, or flossing, you most likely have some form of periodontal disease. Remember that it is not normal for your gums to bleed. Consult your dentist today to stop the gum disease from progressing further.

3. Periodontal Disease Is Not Serious

Another common myth you may believe is that periodontal disease is not a serious disorder. Even though it affects your teeth and gums, periodontal disease can affect your overall physical health in serious ways.

Periodontal disease is a serious infection, which may start in your teeth and gums, but it can quickly spread into your bloodstream without proper treatment. An infection in your bloodstream can be life-threatening.

If you are pregnant, periodontal disease can affect your unborn baby's health, as well. Many cases of pre-eclampsia and premature birth/low birth weight have been linked to periodontal disease.

Gum disease can also cause tooth loss. Without a full set of teeth, you may struggle to eat and speak. Without replacing the teeth you have lost because of gum disease, your jaw and other teeth will lack the support they need, which can lead to further tooth and bone loss.

4. Damage Is Irreversible

Finally, after dealing with pain and tooth loss, you may believe the damage is done and there is nothing you can do to restore your smile back to a healthy, appealing state. Fortunately, this is another myth. After addressing the actual infection through antibiotics and removing stubborn plaque and tartar from the teeth and gum tissue using laser technology, you can begin the process of restoring your smile.

Implants are an excellent option for restoring teeth lost due to gum disease. If necessary, a bone grafting procedure can restore missing bone lost from your jaw because of the periodontal disease. This ensures the dental implants have the support they need to correct your smile.

For more information on preventing, diagnosing, or treating periodontal disease — or for other dental services — contact Bradley Piotrowski, DDS, MSD, LLC today.