Gum disease, also known as Periodontal disease, is a harmful condition caused by inflammation-causing oral bacteria, and it affects nearly 50% of the global adult population. The onset of gum disease can be attributed to the condition called gingivitis – where plaque starts to form on the teeth and the gums, causing inflammation of the gums. This can be identified by redness, swelling, and bleeding of the gums. According to experts at a dental care Houston, if not treated on time, the bacteria can destroy the tissues connecting the teeth to the gums and bone, and this will result in tooth loss in the long run.
While gum disease affects a large global population, less than 3% of the people take any treatment for it. This can be attributed to the overall lack of information on the effect of periodontal disease on human health. Another reason is the prevalence of many myths or misconceptions about gum disease.
Let us bust some of the myths about gum disease below.
Myth: Gum disease is a rare occurrence
Fact: Gum disease affects nearly 50% of the total adult population of the world. As per data provided by the Center for Disease Control (CDC), half of the adults of age 30 or more have suffered from some form of gum disease at least once in their lifetime. The risk of suffering from gum disease also increases with age and hence it becomes important to have regular dental check-ups and maintain oral hygiene.
Myth: Gum disease affects only your oral health
Fact: Gum disease not just affects oral health but can also lead to serious health risks and systematic diseases such as diabetes, stroke, heart disease, Alzheimer’s, and complications in pregnancy. This means that if you notice bleeding while flossing or brushing, you should consult the best dentist in Houston TX, and get a check-up done to identify if there is an onset of periodontal disease.
Myth: Tooth loss caused due to gum disease is irreversible
Fact: While gum disease is the most prevalent cause of tooth loss in adults, it can be mitigated by making use of dental implants. Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are surgically placed into the jaw to secure a replacement tooth. Dental implants are placed by the best dental implant dentist in Houston and are a comfortable and convenient permanent replacement for missing teeth. Scientific studies have found dental implants to be 98% effective.
Myth: Bleeding gums can happen to anyone and is not that serious a problem
Fact: Bleeding gums are the warning sign for the onset of gum disease and should be taken seriously. If you see bleeding while brushing or flossing, or while eating certain types of food, immediately consult your dental professional and get a check-up done. If gum disease has set in, get treatment for it immediately, otherwise, you risk getting your entire health affected.
Myth: Gum disease affects people irrespective of their race or heritage
Fact: While anyone can get affected by gum disease, it has been known to be more prevalent in people of Hispanic and Black African descent as compared to those having of European descent. Although the real reason for this discrepancy is not known, it is speculated that this can be the result of different inflammatory responses in different ethnicities and the differences in the diet consumed by people around the world.
Myth: Gum disease can be identified easily
Fact: It is not so easy to identify gum disease because of the overall lack of information on the topic and the general callousness of the average human for their oral health. It is important to read up on gum diseases so that you are aware of their symptoms and can visit a dentist near Houston if any symptom of periodontal disease becomes visible. Actively participating in your oral health evaluation will help your dentist identify the changes occurring to your oral health.
Myth: Bleeding gums are caused due to brushing too hard
Fact: While brushing too hard can cause the bleeding of gums, it is entirely possible that bleeding gums are a sign of gum disease. If you see blood in your spit or after brushing your teeth, immediately visit your dentist. Avoid applying too much pressure while brushing your teeth. It is best to use a toothbrush with soft and round bristles.
Myth: A visit to the dentist is not required if there are no symptoms of gum disease
Fact: It is entirely possible for a person to not be aware that they have gum disease because most of the symptoms are painless and subtle. Hence, early-stage detection of gum disease becomes quite difficult. It then becomes important to have regular check-ups at your dentist to identify the onset of gum disease so that preventive steps can be taken immediately.
If unchecked, gum disease can cause serious harm to your oral health, and in general your total body health. The positive side to the story is that early-stage detection and treatment of gum disease at a dental care Houston go a long way in restoring oral health.