5 Surprising Facts about Gum Disease You Did Not Know About

No Comments

A chronic and inflammatory condition, gum disease, or periodontitis, is a bacterial infection that affects the gum tissue and bone. In fact, a study published in 2010 found that 64.7 million adults in the U.S. have some form of gum disease. Here are a few lesser known facts about the condition that you should know about.

It’s Contagious

Remember how you were warned about getting “cooties” back in kindergarten? Well, there might just be some truth to it. Gum disease is a contagious disease and can be unwittingly passed along to people around you. Sharing food items and kissing can out others at risk of getting the condition, and individuals diagnosed with the condition should avoid engaging in these acts to prevent affecting their loved ones.

Chronic Bad Breath Is a Symptom 

While experiencing morning breath is pretty normal, if you notice that your breath is persistently less-than-fresh, you may have gum disease. For instance, if your breath continues to have an unpleasant odor even after you have thoroughly brushed, used mouthwash, and even taken breath mints, it’s worth getting it checked out. It’s quite likely that you may have a bacterial infection, i.e. gum disease, that’s causing this.

It Can Be Linked To Other Illnesses

While gum disease is a serious condition on its own, it may also often be linked to diabetes, Alzheimer’s, heart disease, and stroke. It is important that we learn about the connections between gum disease and other conditions, and work on maintaining our oral health diligently.

It Can Be Hereditary 

According to research done by the American Academy of Periodontology, the likeliness of getting gum disease may be affected by a person’s genetics. Thus, although you may have excellent oral hygiene, your hereditary background may still put you at risk of getting gum disease. If you have a family history of gum disease, it’s a good idea to consult your dentist to see what needs to be done.

It Can Go Undetected

You can have gum disease and not even know it. This is a silent ailment, and research has shown that less than 60% of people affected by it get diagnosed during the early stages. In fact, the condition can go undetected until reaching an advanced stage when symptoms become much more obvious. This is why you should visit a dentist every few months to make sure you’re not silently suffering from gum disease!

Looking for a dentist in Cinnaminson? Dr. Huh at Rapha Dental LLC will take care of all your restorative and cosmetic dental procedures and will give you a thorough consultation regarding your oral health!