A Few Fallacies About Gum Disease

Periodontal or gum disease is a serious problem. Do you know how great the problem is? Do you know the truth about the cause, symptoms, treatment and cures of gum disease? Below, you will find a list of common fallacies regarding gum disease. The facts may surprise you.

FALLACY: The number 1 cause of adults losing teeth is cavities.
FACT: The number 1 loss of adults losing teeth is periodontal or gum disease. According to some statistics, gum disease outnumbers tooth decay by a 2 to 1 ratio.

FALLACY: Periodontal disease is only a minor dental infection.
FACT: Periodontal disease is not a minor dental infection. The results produce a mass of red, swollen tissue the equivalent of the span of skin between your elbow and your wrist. Moreover, the result may be the loss of your teeth, hardly a small matter.

FALLACY: The problem of gum disease restricts itself to your mouth.
FACT: Current research disputes this belief. A linkage exists between respiratory and heart diseases, stroke, low birth weight, diabetes and osteoporosis.

FALLACY: The only reasons people get gum disease is they do not brush their teeth.
FACT: Poor dental hygiene habits are the main cause of gum disease. A major preventive measure is to brush regularly using a commercial or natural toothpaste e.g. OraMd. Flossing and rinsing with mouthwash are also an important way to stop gum disease. However, research indicates other factors play a significant part. Approximately 30% of the adult population may be genetically at risk for periodontal disease.

FALLACY: Your gums bleed sometimes. It is normal.
FACT: Bleeding gums is a symptom of gingivitis, the first stage of periodontal disease. If you ignore this symptom, your gingivitis may develop into the more serious form – periodontitis.

FALLACY: You and your dentist can easily recognize the early symptoms of gum disease.
FACT: Identification at the early stages is not easy. The signs are often subtle. You need to inform your dentist about any possible indications. You and the dentist can then work at testing for gum disease before looking at a remedy.

FALLACY: Gum disease is an equal opportunity dental health problem.
FACT: Gum disease can and will affect people of different genders, occupations and races. However, research seems to indicate that both Mexican and African Americans are subject to periodontitis in higher numbers. This may be the result of environmental or social factors such as diet or the number of regular visits paid to a dentist.

FALLACY: If you get gum disease, the treatment you receive will be painful.
FACT: Once true, this is no longer the case. Periodontal specialists have come up with new procedures. These involve local anesthetics as well as various over-the-counter medications.

Conclusion
Gum disease is a serious problem. Before you look for answers in various remedies, get the facts. Talk to your dentist. Be aware of the subtle symptoms, cause and treatment of gum disease.