Gum disease is a condition that occurs when the bacteria cause inflammation in your gums. The symptoms of this condition depend on the severity of inflammation. For example, the initial stage of gum disease usually manifests itself through gum redness, bleeding, swelling, and bad breath. But the advanced stage of this condition can lead to the development of gum recession, pus between the teeth, and teeth loss. Unfortunately, there are a lot of myths and misconceptions about gum disease that are quite popular. In this article, we have gathered seven common myths about gum disease you shouldn’t believe in.
1. Gum disease is a condition of the elderly
Even though the elderly are more prone to develop gum disease because of certain underlying medical conditions, you should understand that gum inflammation can affect everyone. Both children and adults who don't maintain proper oral hygiene or have certain health issues can develop gum disease. Additionally, people who smoke are also more likely to get gum inflammation.
2. Gum disease affects only people who don’t maintain proper oral hygiene
Indeed, poor oral hygiene is deemed the most common cause of gum disease. However, people who have diabetes or a family history of gum disease can also develop this condition even if they brush and floss their teeth thoroughly. In this case, you should continue to maintain proper oral hygiene and visit your dentist for examination and treatment.
3. Gum disease always causes severe symptoms
The primary stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. It usually causes mild symptoms like swollen, red, and bleeding gums, bad breath, and mild gum pockets. Without timely and accurate treatment, gingivitis can turn into periodontitis. This condition can cause quite severe symptoms like gum recession, toothache, loose teeth, and even tooth loss. That's why it is essential to monitor the condition of your oral cavity and seek treatment as early as possible.
4. Gum disease can disappear on its own
It is important to understand that gum inflammation can't disappear on its own without any attempts to treat it. If you have mild symptoms of gingivitis, proper oral hygiene and certain home remedies can help prevent its progression and reduce your symptoms. But if your symptoms are severe, it is essential to undergo proper treatment at a periodontal clinic to prevent the development of further complications.
5. Gum disease affects only gums
Unfortunately, gum disease can cause a lot of negative complications throughout the whole body. In addition to the fact that people with untreated gum disease can lose their teeth, they are also more prone to develop diabetes, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and many other health issues. Additionally, gum disease can increase your risk of respiratory infections since the information can be spread from the affected gums throughout the body via the bloodstream.
6. Gum disease always accompanies diabetes
Even though gum disease and diabetes are linked together, it doesn't mean that they always accompany each other. Indeed, people who have diabetes are more likely to develop gum disease than healthy people and vise versa. But if you maintain proper oral hygiene, eat a healthy diet, and visit your dentist on a regular basis, you can decrease your risk of developing gum disease.
7. Gum disease treatment is painful
Many people neglect their symptoms and don't undergo gum disease treatment since they think that it is painful. But the reality is that treatment options for gingivitis usually don't require surgical intervention. If you need to undergo surgery to treat periodontitis and its consequences, the procedure will be performed under local anesthesia. That's why there is no reason to delay gum disease treatment.
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