Many people understand that they must thoroughly brush their teeth twice daily to prevent common oral issues, such as cavities. However, did you know that sources estimate that brushing alone only removes about 40% to 60% of the plaque buildup from your enamel and connective tissues?
Flossing is required to remove the remaining residue to prevent other concerns, such as gum disease. If you think periodontal problems aren’t that big a deal, you might be functioning under some significant misunderstandings that could potentially harm your dental health. Continue reading to learn 3 myths about it that you shouldn’t believe!
Myth #1: It’s an Uncommon Condition
It’s easy to assume that your mouth must be healthy if you haven’t noticed obvious areas of concern, like swollen, bleeding gums. This can be especially true if you’re convinced that this concern only affects certain populations, like elderly adults or those with compromised immune systems.
The truth is that gum disease is incredibly common and is believed to affect about 47% of American adults, equating to about 65 million people, in this country alone. The earliest stage, gingivitis, can often be halted and sometimes reversed by improving your twice-daily at-home dental hygiene routine. But it doesn’t always exhibit noticeable signs until it has already progressed into more advanced stages, such as periodontitis, which might be managed with professional treatment, but may not be curable.
Myth #2: It Always Results in Tooth Loss
Periodontitis is the leading cause of permanent tooth loss in adults because your connective tissues eventually recede as they try to escape gum disease, leaving your teeth without enough of a foundation to hold them firmly in place.
But that doesn’t mean that developing an infection in your gums automatically means that you’ll lose your teeth. Many dentists, periodontists, and other oral healthcare experts offer treatments, such as a two-part deep cleaning known as scaling and root planing, or prescribing special antibiotics, to help manage your condition and help safeguard your smile.
Myth #3: It is Completely Unavoidable
Advanced stages of gum disease may not be completely curable, but if you’ve assumed it’s also unavoidable, then you might be surprised to learn that it can often be prevented by taking a few simple precautions.
For example, flossing your teeth after brushing both morning and night removes harmful plaque and bacteria that cause cavities, periodontal disease, and other issues. You can also help strengthen your smile by visiting your dentist or periodontist every 6 months for a routine examination and professional cleaning and minimizing your consumption of overly sugary foods and drinks.
If you have other questions about gum disease or the state of your connective tissues, you can learn more by scheduling an appointment with your provider!
About the Practice
Patients at Morgan Hill Dental Care benefit from a team of general dentists and specialists who are passionate about helping them build and maintain beautiful, healthy smiles. They collaborate to provide a comprehensive menu of services, including gum disease treatment, to meet the unique needs of people of all ages. Their caring approach is paired with advanced technology to deliver more comfortable, accurate results meant to last. If you’re concerned about periodontal problems, you can request an appointment on the website or call (408) 778-4838.