Myth: People with Gum Disease Do Not Brush Their Teeth
While the most common cause of gum disease is poor oral hygiene, studies link gum disease to other risk factors. Smoking, using smokeless tobacco, and consuming alcohol increase your risk of gum disease. Additionally, research shows that almost one third of the population may be genetically susceptible to gum disease. Other factors like hormonal imbalances in teens going through puberty, pregnant women, and women experiencing menopause may contribute to the risk of gum disease.
Myth: Gum Disease is a Mild Infection
To put into perspective the surface area affected by gum disease, the soft tissues in your mouth are the equivalent area of the skin on your entire forearm. Imagine if your skin from your elbow to your wrist was inflamed, deep red, and infected. Gum disease has serious consequences ranging from bleeding during brushing in the gingivitis stage, to tooth loss and changes in occlusion in the advanced periodontitis stage. Additionally, research has connected gum disease to overall health conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and respiratory diseases. Pregnant women should be especially cautious of gum disease as it has been known to contribute to preterm or low birth weights.
Myth: Gum Disease Treatment Is Painful
Our dentist in Collingswood offers comfortable gum disease treatment with sedation dentistry. Modern therapies and effective sedation methods can help you get the treatment you need and stop allowing gum disease to ravage your oral health. At Thurm Dental Group, we treat complex cases daily from patients with special needs, to geriatric patients. With a simple scaling and root planing procedure, we can effectively remove infection and help your gum tissue heal.
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