Oral healthcare, which not only includes your teeth but the gums too is one crucial aspect of your overall health.
With new developments being made almost every day, there is a well of knowledge at your disposal, however, quite a lot of this knowledge is misleading.
Myths regarding gums have existed for a very long time as they have been passed down from one generation to the next, and have caused the spread of misinformation amongst the population.
For proper gum care, you must be aware of these myths so that you can avoid them.
Continue reading this article if you want to know about the existing myths surrounding your gums and achieve proper oral healthcare.
Some common myths that you might believe are:
Myth #1: Bleeding gums are not a problem
If your gums are bleeding then it is not something to worry about.
This is entirely untrue as one of the main warning signs of gum disease is bleeding gums.
If you notice any sort of bleeding while brushing or flossing then you should immediately consult a dentist/periodontist as delaying it might cause you more problems.
Myth #2: Overall health is not impacted by gum disease
Following recent developments in healthcare, it is now coming to light that problems related to the gum are not isolated from your body.
These problems have been linked to other health problems like diabetes, strokes, and cardiovascular disease.
Myth #3: Flossing is not very important for your gums
It is a very damaging myth as flossing plays a very integral part in the removal of plaque from your teeth and gums.
You must floss at least once a day as flossing removes up to 80% of the plaque, as inappropriate removal of plaque leads to tooth decay and gum diseases.
Myth #4: Gum disease is not very prevalent
This belief is incorrect as gum disease has a high prevalence rate worldwide.
Almost half of the people aged 30 years or above have had some sort of gum problem, showing that gum care is something that should be taken seriously.
Myth #5: Only poor oral hygiene causes gum problems
Any sort of illness of the gum is solely caused by poor oral hygiene.
As you must be aware that good dental hygiene is pivotal in maintaining good oral health, it is not the sole cause of gum disease.
Your family genetics, diet, and, excessive use of tobacco are all other important reasons that you might overlook.
Myth #6: No cavities means no gum disease
If you have never had cavities, it does not necessarily mean that you will not suffer from any gum ailment.
Gum complications are hard to spot, painless, and often go unnoticed, meaning so many people do not even know they suffer from it.
Visiting a dentist/periodontist as soon as you feel any sort of discomfort in your gums should be your utmost priority.
Myth #7: Problems with gums do not give you bad breath
Bad breath is one of the least appealing and embarrassing things associated with bad oral hygiene.
However, if you are suffering from bad breath there is a possibility that you might be suffering from a gum infection.
Multiple factors cause bad breath so you must confirm the root cause through proper consultation with your dentist/periodontist.
Myth #8: Visiting a periodontist is scary
There might be instances where you might be scared to go to the periodontist but you should not be.
Remember that these individuals have years of experience in their field and will help you deal with your problems.
It’s important to look at the bigger picture and remind yourself that the doctor is only there to help you.
Myth #9: Tooth loss due to a gum-related infection is permanent
Several times gum disease causes tooth loss, however, you should know that the tooth loss is not permanent.
You can always consult with your doctor and ask them to give you a dental transplant, if possible.
Myth #10: A gum infection is nothing serious
Your nonchalant attitude towards your gums can lead to bigger complications.
You should not even for a moment think that a gum infection is a joke as leaving it untreated can cause more damage.
It can cause you to lose your teeth and that can have major consequences.
Conclusion
As you now know that quite a lot of myths are associated with gums and gum care so you must pay no attention to them.
Make sure that the information you read online is from trusted sources but try to consult your doctor immediately for a proper checkup.
Gums are a very critical aspect of oral hygiene so maintaining their health should be your number one priority.
