Prison Break Gum Disease
by Dr. Rita Dargham D.M.D.
Read Prison Break Gum Disease by Dr. Rita Dargham D.M.D. to learn more about Grove Smiles® Dentistry and our Dentistry office in Coconut Grove, FL.
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Here at Grove Smiles Dentistry in Coconut Grove, FL, we have been leading our community to have stronger, healthier teeth for over forty years. We believe that the more educated our patients are about dental health issues, the better they will prevent them.
In our ongoing education, we often warn of periodontal disease and the detrimental effects it has on the mouth and body. In this installment, we would like to break many common misconceptions about gum disease.
Read on to help you better understand gum disease and how that diagnosis is not a life sentence.
1. Bleeding Gums Are Not Normal
Unfortunately, when our gums bleed, we most often think it is that my “gums are just tender,” I “really need to floss more,” or “it will go away” and forget about it until the next time we brush. The truth is that the first signs of gum disease are bleeding gums. Your gums will swell, bleed and become tender when plaque accumulates on the teeth and around the gum line.
2. People Who Don’t Brush Get Gum Disease
While poor oral hygiene contributes to the development of gum disease, many other factors can be involved. These risk factors can include tobacco use, stress, a bad diet, genetics, pregnancy, and certain illnesses such as diabetes.
3. Cavity-Free Does Not Mean No Gum Disease
Gum disease is painless in its beginning stages, and many people don’t know they have it. Just because you may not have cavities, please do not assume that you are not susceptible to gum disease.
Gum disease can only be truly prevented with proper oral hygiene and regular visits to curtail any new developments before real disease processes can begin, including those pesky cavities.
4. Can We Reverse Gum Disease?
What is important to understand is that gum disease is reversible in its earliest stage: gingivitis. The earlier gingivitis is caught, the easier it is to eliminate it before advancing to full-blown periodontitis. Finding out you have gingivitis can be worrisome, but here’s the good news: good oral hygiene habits and professional cleanings can, in most cases, rid you of gingivitis and stop gum disease in its tracks.
5. Not Only Adults Get Gum Disease
Although gum disease is much more prevalent in adults, children are invulnerable too! Studies show that children can be more susceptible to gum disease if genetically predisposed or have certain illnesses such as autoimmune disorders or diabetes. Other factors such as puberty, with all its hormonal changes, can also increase your children’s risk. But remember, the best defense is a great offense. So make sure that everyone in the house is taking care of their teeth and visiting the dentist regularly.
Freedom From Gum Disease
Now that you know more about gum disease, keep up the good work avoiding it! Make sure to keep your gums healthy by removing plaque and food debris with daily brushing and flossing. Plus! Make those proactive visits to your dentist!
Thanks for reading!
For Your Health,
Dr. Rita Dargham D.M.D.
