If you haven't heard about gum disease from your dentist, you've probably seen it on information chats at the dental clinic. It is a common diagnosis in dental health, but many people fear and even spread false information about it. Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, comes about when your gum tissues become inflamed due to an infection. The result is pain, soreness and bleeding in the gums. Sometimes you may feel like your teeth want to come out, and that's because your gums have started to recede. Understanding the following myths and facts surrounding gum disease is essential to achieving proper treatment and protecting yourself.

Symptoms are always noticeable

Most people think that they will know when they get gum disease. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Gum disease starts when bacteria and plaque begin to build up on your teeth and gum tissues. As a result, you develop gum inflammation, have bad breath, and start noticing some blood when you brush your teeth. However, these symptoms don't happen at once—they are gradual. Once you start seeing the signs, the problem will already have advanced to the severe stage. If you have plaque on your teeth, it is a good idea to visit your dentist for cleaning to prevent bacteria from building up on the gums and causing disease.

Brushing regularly is all you need

You may have heard that brushing your teeth daily and after every meal is all you need to keep gum disease at bay. Unfortunately, brushing alone won't offer you adequate protection. That's because there are tiny spaces in your teeth where your brush bristles can't reach. The food particles that are stuck in these spaces can equally cause periodontal disease. In addition to brushing, you need to floss regularly and visit your dentist for professional teeth cleaning to keep gum disease away. This will not only help you maintain gum health but also prevent other problems like teeth decay.

No cavities equals healthy gums

You may have heard it said that as long as you don't have any tooth decay or cavities, then your oral health is good. However, lack of cavities doesn't mean that your gums are in excellent condition. You can easily suffer from gum disease and have inflamed and bleeding gums if you don't floss and brush as required. However, note that suffering from dental caries can put you at risk of gum disease as well; therefore, you need to ensure that your teeth and gums are in good health.

Visit your dentist for regular check-ups and dental cleanings so that you can protect your gums from periodontal disease.

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