You have probably been told by our staff to floss your teeth daily to protect your mouth from gum disease. Estimates show that three out of four adults in the U.S. will develop some form of gum disease. In early stages, gum disease is curable if addressed with proper oral hygiene and professional treatment. However, when gum disease advances to periodontitis, it becomes a very destructive and chronic illness. Despite the high incidence of gum disease in the United States, many people hold common misconceptions about this illness. To help educate our patients, Dr. Amanda Foust and our team at Dental Impressions dispel common myths about periodontal disease.
Myth #1: Bleeding gums is the only symptom of gum disease
Although bleeding gums when brushing or flossing is a common symptom of gum disease, there are other symptoms as well. Gums that are painful to the touch or gum that appear dark red or purple may indicate periodontal disease, too. However, the early stages of gum disease may not produce any noticeable symptoms.
Myth # 2: Gum disease is always caused by inadequate oral hygiene.
Poor oral hygiene often leads to gum disease; however, some patients who thoroughly brush and floss may develop gum disease as well. In some cases, gum disease is caused by hormonal fluctuations due to pregnancy, puberty, or menopause. Tobacco users are also at risk for developing periodontal disease.
Myth # 3: Gum Disease is not a serious medical problem.
Advanced gum disease (periodontitis) is a chronic medical condition that must be addressed with proper treatment. Periodontitis is an aggressive infection of the gum tissue. The disease creates periodontal pockets that ultimately separate the bond between the teeth and gums causing tooth loss. If the infection enters the bloodstream, cardiovascular complications may arise.
To protect yourself against gum disease, schedule regular checkups and cleanings at our Ankeny dentist office. Contact Dental Impressions at (515) 965-0230 to reserve an appointment with Dr. Foust. We serve patients from Bondurant, Polk City, Elkhart, Alleman, and the surrounding Ankeny communities.
