Gum Disease: Myths vs. Facts and Prevention
Gum disease is a very common ailment in the world of oral health, but for many, information can get muddled on what’s true versus what’s not. The team of Drs. Robert and Mandy Shearer at Soddy Daisy Smiles are working to educate their patients and the community on both the realities of the problem and how to prevent it.
“One of the biggest myths out there is that gum disease is actually not common,” Dr. Mandy said. “That couldn’t be further from the truth. We see different cases all the time.”
Gum disease itself, she explained, is an infection of the tissues that surround and support the teeth, and is caused by plaque that is constantly forming on teeth.
“When not removed by good daily brushing, plaque can eventually harden into calculus or tartar,” Dr. Robert explained.
Another myth is that being cavity free also frees you of the worry of gum disease, however, due it’s largely silent nature, you could be at risk even without any other trouble.
“Gums that bleed easily or are red, swollen or tender is a sign of gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease, and the only stage that is reversible,” Dr. Mandy said. “When caught early gingivitis can usually be eliminated by a cleaning at the office, followed by good daily brushing and flossing.”
Dr. Robert added that some patients fear tooth loss with gum disease, but stresses them not to worry.
“If you practice good dental care, you don’t have to worry about tooth loss,” he shared. “Eat a healthy diet and see your dentist on a regular basis, and you can come up with a plan to manage any gum disease trouble.”
When it comes to signs to look for on gum disease, bleeding gums does not need to be overlooked. Dr. Robert said gums should be hearty enough for normal brushing and flossing, but if you find you’re bleeding every time, that’s a sign that there’s a problem.
“Pockets around the teeth are another sign,” he explained. “Your bone and gum tissue should fit snugly around your teeth like a turtleneck around your neck. When you have periodontal disease, this supporting tissue and bone is destroyed, forming ‘pockets’ around the teeth. Over time, these pockets become deeper, providing a larger space in which bacteria can live.”
It’s important to try to stop the pocketing from happening any further and prescription toothpastes may be needed, so a visit to the dentist is crucial.
Other potential signs include persistent bad breath, soreness when caring for your teeth, sores forming in the mouth, a noticeable change in position and swollen gums.
“Routine visits and hygiene appointments can keep gum disease at bay or at least keep it in check,” Dr. Mandy said. “If you notice any of these signs, call your provider as soon as you can and be as detailed as possible so we can work with you to find the correct and best treatment.”
To help treat any existing gum disease and/or prevent further damage, several steps need to be taken. First, establish a good oral health routine.
“Since the most common cause of gum disease in any form is plaque that gets left behind, the best medicine is taking steps to make sure that doesn’t happen,” said Dr. Robert. “Brush and floss daily and be sure not to overlook those hard to reach areas.”
Second, make sure you see your dentist regularly. Your dental team can spot any signs of trouble early on if you’re keeping your appointments and making sure to share any problems at each visit so they can be addressed.
“If you start to get into areas of advanced periodontal disease, we may need to get a periodontist involved to help better manage the gums and bones that support the teeth,” Dr. Mandy said. “Typical treatments involve scaling and root planing to remove plaque from below the gum line and around the teeth, but we can’t catch any of that if you aren’t coming in regularly.”
She added that in some very serious cases, gum surgery may be needed, so it’s critical to get intervention before hitting that mark.
If you think you have potential gum disease, reach out to your dentist as soon as possible. The team at Soddy Daisy Smiles is available to answer any questions or concerns or schedule an appointment for an exam. Contact 423-332-5275.