Gum disease, also known as periodontitis, is one of the most common oral health conditions in the world. Its presence is known through swollen, red, painful gums and a host of other symptoms your dentist warned you about.
If you’re a soon-to-be patient who is curious about gum disease, continue reading to learn five things you probably didn’t know. The hope is that you’ll take this information, make an appointment with your dentist, and talk about a checkup.
1. It Causes Bad Breath
A common misconception is that poor oral hygiene or consuming foods like garlic and fish are the sole culprits behind bad breath. While it’s true that these are common causes for smelly breath, it doesn’t completely account for prolonged halitosis (the clinical term for bad breath.)
Periodontitis is a significant underlying cause of odorous breath. If the condition persists, despite a clean diet and regular brushing, it might be time to schedule a dental check-up.
2. You Can Have it and Not Know
Gum disease is what is known as a “silent” disease. It can go virtually undetected for a long time because the symptoms can be subtle—especially in the early stages. This is one of the reasons that routine dental checkups are vital to stop it from taking hold.
3. The Disease Can Be Spread to Other People
While rare, it is not unheard of to pass periodontitis to someone else through mouth-to-mouth contact. It can be especially contagious if the other person is immunocompromised due to illness.
If you haven’t been brushing your teeth and your spouse has a cold, you could pass the disease to them through your saliva.
4. You Can Contract It Even if You Have Good Oral Hygiene
Although it’s a significant factor, poor oral hygiene isn’t the only cause of periodontitis. You could have a fantastic oral care regimen with clean teeth, but if you make certain lifestyle decisions or have other health concerns, you could be more susceptible to the infection.
For example, smoking, alcoholism, diabetes, immune system disorders, medications, and even genetic predispositions could increase your risk of developing periodontitis.
5. It’s Preventable
Periodontitis may sound intimidating, as it appears to have implications beyond oral health. Fortunately, it’s highly preventable.
To raise your defenses against the disease, visit your dentist for a checkup every four to six months. While at home, maintain a thorough oral health care routine by brushing, flossing, and rinsing at least twice a day.
With these measures in place, you’ll be guarded against the worst of the infection and keep your mouth feeling fresh day after day.
About the Author
Dr. Moji Chandy is a passionate and practiced dentist committed to listening to and understanding her patients so she can respond to their individual needs. Dr. Chandy received her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the NYU College of Dentistry and has continued to further her education on the latest techniques and technologies by attending continuing education classes, symposiums, and seminars. To schedule an appointment at Aegis Dental, call (972) 492-6700 or visit the website for more information.