Busting 5 Popular Myths About Gum Disease

If you’ve been dealing with swollen, bleeding, or otherwise irritated gums, there’s a strong chance that you’re battling gum disease. However, gum disease isn’t always obvious, nor is it harmless; in fact, many patients with this condition either don’t realize they have it, or don’t recognize the serious implications of leaving it untreated! This is likely due to the many myths and falsehoods floating around about gum disease. With that in mind, keep reading as your dentist debunks five of the most popular myths about the condition.

Myth #1: Gum Disease Is a Rare Condition

Researchers estimate that roughly half of all US adults have some form of gum disease, meaning that it is far from being a rare condition; it’s undeniably widespread! And it isn’t just limited to adults, either. On average, 50% of children have some form of it too. It’s most often the result of poor oral hygiene and is very difficult to detect in its early stages, which is part of why it’s such a prevalent issue.

Myth #2: Bleeding While Brushing Is Totally Fine

It’s possible for your gums to bleed if you brush your teeth too hard or use a brush with particularly hard bristles, but it’s important to realize that bleeding gums aren’t normal, and even a single drop of blood in the sink while brushing might indicate serious problems are beginning to develop. Healthy gums do not bleed, and if it happens it usually means that the gums are inflamed due to periodontal disease.

Myth #3: Being Cavity-Free Protects You from Gum Disease

Though your teeth and gums go hand in hand, they each need a particular amount of care—and while many of us emphasize caring for our pearly whites, our gums are sometimes forgotten or neglected! But just because your teeth are cavity-free does not mean your gums are also free of any issues; cavities can form and exist independently of gum disease, and gum disease can certainly develop without the presence of decay or cavities.  

Myth #4: Gum Disease Only Impacts Your Oral Health

Even though it’s referred to as “gum disease”, the condition affects much more than just your oral health. It might originate inside your mouth, but if left unaddressed, gum disease can access the bodily highway that is your bloodstream and threaten other parts of your body including vital organs like the heart and brain. This puts you at a heightened risk for a variety of medical issues including diabetes, heart disease, and even cancer. Not to mention, gum disease is also a large contributor to tooth loss, which is notorious for leading to a slew of problems.  

Myth #5: Gum Damage Is Completely Irreversible

Once gums sustain damage and start to recede, they cannot grow back on their own, which is why noticing and treating the issue as soon as possible is preferred. That said, certain procedures can help gums to reattach or regenerate. Mild gum recession can be treated with means such as deep scaling, and even gum grafts are a possibility for fortifying damaged tissue.

About the Author

Dr. Jeffrey F. Hermen received his DDS from the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry and has proudly served patients and families in the Oklahoma City area for several years. His practice is thrilled to offer a wide range of preventive, cosmetic, and restorative services. If you have any questions about gum disease or you’d like to schedule a checkup, you can contact Dr. Hermen through his practice’s website or over the phone for additional assistance: (405) 621-2100.