{"id":50,"date":"2018-03-04T18:54:40","date_gmt":"2018-03-04T18:54:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/docronan.com\/blog\/?p=50"},"modified":"2018-04-02T21:38:17","modified_gmt":"2018-04-02T21:38:17","slug":"dentist-chevy-chase-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.docronan.com\/blog\/2018\/03\/04\/dentist-chevy-chase-2\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Myths About Gum Disease From A Dentist in Chevy Chase!"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"IllustrationDid you know the CDC estimates that nearly 65 million Americans have some form of gum disease? Not only that, but the rate increases with age, and an estimated 70% of people over the age 65 have it. Unfortunately, there are a lot of myths about gum disease that can prevent you from having great oral health!<\/p>\n

Periodontal (gum) disease can be defined as an inflammatory condition that erodes the gums and supporting bone around the teeth. In advanced stages, the teeth can become loose and fall out – even if they\u2019ve never had a cavity. Since teeth are hard to come by, it\u2019s worth it to take care of the ones you have! As a dentist in Chevy Chase, we\u2019re going to clear up five common myths about gum disease so you can have a better understanding of this common condition.<\/p>\n

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“Gum Disease Hurts”<\/h2>\n

Much like diabetes, gum disease is a \u201csilent disease,\u201d and isn\u2019t painful. Having said that, tender or bleeding gums in early stages can certainly be uncomfortable, but you won\u2019t feel any sensation from the bone loss associated with later stages. This makes regular dental care even more important because you won\u2019t have pain as an \u201cindicator\u201d that something is wrong.<\/p>\n

“Brushing and Flossing Alone Can Prevent It”<\/h2>\n

Don\u2019t get us wrong – although great hygiene is crucial to managing gum disease, it won\u2019t always prevent it! Heredity, diabetes and smoking are all risk factors that can increase the likelihood of developing this condition, regardless of how well you do with brushing and flossing.<\/p>\n

“No Cavities, No Gum Disease”<\/h2>\n

When it comes to their oral health, many people solely focus on whether they have cavities or not and don\u2019t think much about their gums. While the teeth and gums are certainly connected, they\u2019re also separate and distinct. As mentioned before, even a tooth that\u2019s never had decay can become loose and fall out if the structures that support it are damaged. Just because you don’t have cavities doesn’t mean you don’t have gum disease!<\/p>\n

“Gum Disease Only Affects the Mouth”<\/h2>\n

Researchers have found substantial evidence that gum disease can increase the risk for all of the following:<\/p>\n