In order to keep yourself in proper oral health, it is helpful to differentiate myth from truth. Unfortunately, there are many myths about gum disease that your dentist in Bel Air will confirm are false. Getting the facts about gum disease will allow you to react to the warning signs and prevent this condition from developing further. Read on for a look at the truth behind gum disease myths.

Myth: Proper Oral Hygiene Will Always Prevent Gum Disease
Practicing proper oral hygiene by brushing and flossing your teeth every day is a great way to keep your teeth and

gums in good shape. However, oral hygiene is not the only factor that determines your risk for gum disease. Even if you are completely dedicated to oral hygiene, there are other elements that may still put you at risk for this condition. Tobaccouse is one factor that may counteract your daily brushing and flossing. Your genetics, nutrition, and the level of stress that you endure on a daily basis may also impact your vulnerability to gum disease . While proper oral hygiene can certainly help, it is important to assess these other factors.

Myth: You Cannot Replace a Tooth Lost from Gum Disease
Advanced gum disease can lead to tooth decay and tooth loss, but this is by no means an indicator that you cannot have the tooth replaced. If you suffer from gum disease, you should be communicating with your dentist more frequently in order to treat the problem. In some cases, part of this treatment includes restorations like dental implants. A dental implant will replace your tooth and serve you with a number of benefits including retained bone mass and straight teeth.

Myth: Gum Disease Cannot Affect Your General Health
Your oral health and general well being are linked in ways that many people are not aware of. It is important to realize that gum disease can impact your general health by further progressing other conditions like diabetes and heart disease. If you think you might be suffering from gum disease, it is wise to talk to your dentist immediately.

Home dental care is not enough to keep teeth and gums healthy—you also need to find a great dentist in Bel Air ! A great dentist will help you feel comfortable and make sure you understand concerns and treatment options that can improve your smile.

When you visit Your Smile, you can feel comfortable meeting with Dr. Danielle Zhu. Dr. Zhu specializes in a variety of dental fields, providing treatments for patients of all ages and with an assortment of concerns and dental emergencies. Before becoming a well-known dentist in Bel Air, Dr. Zhu earned her undergraduate degree from UMBC and went on to receive a dental degree from the University of Maryland Dental School. Dr. Zhu also has a prosthodontic clerkship and post doctorate training in advanced general dentistry on her résumé! Along with these accomplishments, patients can also feel comfortable knowing that Dr. Zhu is a member of the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the Maryland State Dental Association.

Gum disease is a serious oral health issue that causes pockets in the gums, destruction of the bone, and might even lead to the loss of one or more teeth. The best way to prevent gum disease in Bel Air is to understand its different stages and what to do to prevent them. Keep reading to learn more about the progression of periodontal disease:

Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the initial stage of gum disease. When there is a lot of plaque and bacteria in the mouth, it might lead to inflammation and infection in the gums. Gingivitis usually causes the gums to bleed, swell, or to become tender. If you notice that your gums look different or start to bleed when you brush your teeth, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist. With a deeper cleaning and a periodontal treatment, gingivitis is completely reversible. You should also make an effort to improve your home hygiene routine and limit your sugar intake.

Periodontitis
If you do not get treatment for your gingivitis, it might turn into periodontitis, which is a more serious stage of gum disease. As the infection and inflammation in the gums progresses, it will start to destroy the bone and fibers in the jaw. This could cause large pockets between the teeth and the gums where even more plaque and bacteria can develop and make the problem even worse. Visiting the dentist for periodontal treatment can help you prevent the disease from getting any worse . It is also important to brush the teeth twice a day and floss once a day to keep the gums as healthy as possible.

Advanced Periodontitis
This stage of gum disease is the most serious. Without the fibers and bones to support the teeth, advanced periodontitis might cause the teeth to loosen or shift in the mouth. Once the teeth move out of their original position, it might become difficult to bite and to chew. Without help from your dentist, advanced periodontitis could cause you to lose one or more of your teeth.

Gum recession, while not a dental emergency in most cases, can still be quite serious. If you have receding gums in Bel Air , you’ll want to schedule a dental appointment soon so that the cause can be determined and appropriate treatment can be started.

Gums can recede for several reasons, the most common of which is periodontal disease. You may also experience gum recession if there’s been trauma to the area or if you are genetically predisposed to the condition. Treatments are available to reverse gum recession, including scaling and root planning, and gum grafting to restore lost tissue.

Check out this video to learn more about the causes of gum recession and its treatments. Remember that complications from the condition can range from tooth sensitivity to cavities in the root, and in some cases, tooth loss. Talk to your dentist today about your receding gums and what can be done about them.