MYTH: Tooth loss is a part of normal ageing process.
FACT: With good oral hygiene and regular professional care, our teeth are meant to last a lifetime. However, if left untreated, periodontal (gum) disease can lead to tooth loss. It is the primary cause of tooth loss in adults in thirties and above.
MYTH: People who have gum disease do not brush their teeth properly.
FACT:Research shows that genes may be the susceptible factor in 30% of the cases with gum disease. Despite following stringent oral care routines, these people may be six times more susceptible to develop periodontal disease. Identifying these people and offering them into early interceptive treatment may help them keep their teeth for a lifetime.
MYTH Gum disease has no link to overall health of an individual.
FACT: Research reports point out that gum disease is linked to other systemic diseases like heart and respiratory diseases; premature baby births, low birthweight babies; stroke; osteoporosis; and diabetes.
MYTH: Gum disease is a minor infection.
FACT: Gum disease is not a small infection. It should not be taken lightly. The resulting tooth loss, leads to a very different lifestyle—dentures.There may be serious changes in your appearance and your ability to chew food,and concerns on breath.
MYTH: Bleeding gums are normal.
FACT: Bleeding gums are one of the warning symptoms of gum disease.. Other signs of gum disease include: red, swollen or tender gums; tenderness in your gums; gums that have pulled away from the teeth; persistent bad breath; pus between the teeth and gums (leaving you with an embarrassing bad breath); loose or separating teeth; a change in the way the teeth fit together; and a change in the fit of partial dentures.
MYTH: Treatment for gum disease is painful.
FACT: Latest periodontal procedures including local anesthesia and over-the-counter medications, have made gum treatments comfortable. Many patients get back to their usual routines on the same or the next day without any difficulty.
MYTH Gum disease can be identified very easily even in its early stages
FACT: Most of the people do not know they have a serious gum infection that can lead to tooth loss if not treated on time. Regular dental checkups are essential, so that problems can be detected in the early stages. On your dental visits you should inform your dentist if any signs of gum disease are present; or if any changes in your overall health or medications took place in between visits. Most importantly, you should understand the correct methods of brushing and flossing and following a good oral hygiene routine.
MYTH. The only treatment options left for tooth loss are Dentures, Crowns or Bridges
FACT: There are other alternatives like Implants .Dental implants are a good solution to lost teeth due to trauma, injury or periodontal disease. Dental implants look and feel like ordinary teeth . Implants can be a option only if you are in good general health, have healthy gums and enough bone in your jaw to support the implant.
MYTH: .Antibiotics can cure gum disease as it is caused due to a bacterial infection.
FACT: Research demonstrates that antibiotics can be a helpful adjunct to treating periodontal disease. However, medical and dental communities are concerned about the overzealous of these medications in treating infections because of the possibility of the development of drug resistant strains of bacteria. This overuse can be detrimental to patients if they develop a life-threatening illness for which they may be unresponsive to trearment due to drug resistance.
MYTH: Pregnant women should not go for dental checkups.
FACT: Teeth and gums are affected during pregnancy like other hormonal changers in the body. It’s very important to look after your teeth and gums while you are pregnant. You should develop and continue with a good oral hygiene routine, including brushing twice daily and flossing to avoid gums swelling or bleeding.A good oral hygiene routine can help improve Pregancy gingivitis.Seeking professional help for bleeding gums in pregnancy is important.
Gum disease is not a small infection. It should not be taken lightly. The resulting tooth loss, leads to a very different lifestyle—dentures.There may be serious changes in your appearance and your ability to chew food,and concerns on breath.