In the vast ocean of information available on the internet, it’s not uncommon to accept misconceptions dressed as truths. This also holds true when it comes to oral health. We often come across information about dental well-being, whether through reading or hearing, that may or may not be accurate but feels believable to many of us. We are here to bust some common myths to guide you in protecting yourself against misinformation and maintaining healthy teeth in a more foolproof way.
Misconception 1: Hard toothbrush is better
Truth: Brushing hard or using a hard-bristled toothbrush may sound like a better approach for an effective cleaning but it is one of the most commonly accepted misconceptions. Hard brushing is directly related to enamel damage and gum recession. It is always advisable to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush your teeth in a gentle manner in circular motions.
Misconception 2: Cavities are caused only by excessive consumption of sugar
Truth: While it is true that high sugar consumption increases the risk for cavities, it is not the sole reason why we get cavities. The most common factor that leads to cavities is poor oral hygiene. To avoid cavities and tooth decay, practise post-meal rinsing and brushing.
Misconception 3: Dental floss is unnecessary if you brush your teeth regularly
Truth: Regularly brushing your teeth is essential but not an adequate practice to maintain good oral health. Flossing is strongly advised because it is imperative for cleaning the areas where plaque and food particles tend to accumulate, and brushing alone cannot access.
Misconception 4: Oral health only concerns the mouth
Truth: It is understandable if you believe that poor oral health only affects your mouth because it is a very common myth. But you ought to steer clear of this misconception and know that your oral health is directly related to your overall well being. Studies have shown that poor oral health is associated with heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory issues.
Misconception 5: Gum disease is rare
Truth: Gum disease is much more common than you may think. According to the statistics of World Health Organization, around 19% of the adult global population, accounting for over 1 billion cases worldwide, is estimated to be impacted by severe periodontal diseases.
Misconception 6: Chewing gum is a substitute for brushing your teeth
Truth: Chewing gum may possibly promote cleaner teeth and fresher breath, but it is not a substitute for brushing. The truth is, even gum aiding oral health cannot replace the effectiveness of brushing because it cannot possibly remove plaque buildup from your teeth.
Misconception 7: Whitening toothpaste has the potential to dramatically brighten teeth
Truth: Whitening toothpaste can help remove surface stains from your teeth, but it may not significantly change their natural colour. If you are seeking noticeable change in the appearance of your teeth, professional teeth whitening procedures are more effective.
Misconception 8: You don’t need to visit a dentist unless it’s an emergency
Truth: In the early stages, dental concerns may not necessarily exhibit noticeable symptoms. So, it is not the best approach to assume that you have healthy teeth just because they appear and feel fine. To maintain good oral health and to detect problems like gum disease, cavities, and oral cancers at an early stage, regular dental check-ups are essential.
Oral Health in India
Here are some statistics that give an overview of the burden of poor oral health in India:
- 85-90% of adults in India have dental caries, also known as tooth decay
- 43.3% of adults in India suffer from a mild gum infection called gingivitis
- 7.1% of adults in India have periodontitis
- Approximately 12.1% of the population in India exhibits signs of fluorosis which is caused by the excessive intake of fluoride
- Approximately 10 out of every 100,000 individuals in India are diagnosed with oral cancer annually
For safeguarding against unhealthy oral practices and ensuring expert dental care, we recommend Six Sigma Dentistry, which is one of the best dental clinics in Gurgaon. The clinic is led by industry experts and ensures personalized and comprehensive treatment for all your dental needs. Trust our committed team to provide accurate information, guiding you toward a healthy and vibrant smile.
If you wish to delve deeper into understanding the best tips for healthy teeth, here is an insightful guide for you.
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Generally referred to as gum disease, periodontal disease or periodontitis is a common but concerning gum infection. The buildup of germs and bacteria on your teeth and gums causes this infection. It is responsible for damaging the soft tissue around your teeth, which severely affects the strength of the supporting structure of the teeth. In its initial stage, this disease is relatively easier to prevent. But in the advanced stage, it may lead to tooth loss.
The classification of periodontal disease:
Gingivitis: The infection begins with gingivitis, which is inflammation of gums. When left untreated for a long period of time, it may further develop into a serious and painful dental condition.
Early Periodontitis: When gingivitis has progressed to weaken the supporting structure of the teeth, it is termed as ‘Early Periodontitis’. This stage is generally characterized by bad breath and receding gums.
Moderate Periodontitis: In this stage of the disease, the bone and fibers supporting teeth get damaged with a continued deterioration and discoloration of the teeth.
Advanced Periodontitis: The last stage of periodontal disease is marked by a severe damage to the supporting structures, sometimes leading to bone or tooth loss. Thus, periodontal disease treatment at an early stage is strongly advised.
If you are wondering if you have periodontitis, you may experience a combination of some or all of the following symptoms:
- Gum disease often leads to the swelling and reddening of the gums
- Spitting blood while brushing the teeth may be a sign that you have periodontitis
- When the condition worsens and starts weakening the teeth’s supporting structures, the teeth start to lose their firmness and become loose
- If you are dealing with persistent foul breath, your gums may be at the risk of developing the disease
- Gums pulling away from the teeth, making them appear longer, is called receding gums, and is a common symptom
- Though in the initial stages, toothache is not one of the primary symptoms, you may start to experience toothache in the moderate and advanced stages of periodontitis
Here are the top 6 factors that are usually associated with the development of periodontal disease:
- Poor Oral Hygiene: Like many other dental diseases, periodontal disease may be caused by inadequate brushing and flossing.
- Plaque Buildup: The accumulation of plaque, a sticky film of bacteria on the teeth, is a primary cause. Plaque can harden into tartar if not removed through proper oral care.
- Tobacco: Chewing or smoking of tobacco plays a major role in the advancement of periodontitis.
- Genetics: Genetic factors may make some individuals more susceptible to developing gum diseases.
- Low Nutrients Diet: A diet that lacks essential nutrients such as vitamin C may contribute to such gum diseases.
- Certain Medical Conditions: There are some medical conditions such as diabetes and hormonal imbalance that also increase the risk of periodontitis.
Risk Factors for Periodontal Disease
To steer clear of the risk factors for periodontal disease follow the prevention tips below:
- Regular Brushing: Brushing your teeth twice a day is always recommended to minimize risk of periodontal disease.
- Flossing: To clean the areas of your teeth that toothbrush may miss, flossing daily is strongly advised.
- Avoid Tobacco: If you chew or smoke tobacco, consider quitting in order to avoid gum infections.
- Healthy Diet: Eating a balanced diet is an essential factor in maintaining good oral health and avoiding such gum infections.
- Limit Sugary Foods: Excessive intake of sugary food and drinks directly contributes to formation of plaque.
- Regular Dental Checkups: To avoid unnecessary complications, you are advised to regularly visit your dentist to start periodontal disease treatment at an early stage.
If you are grappling with periodontal disease, here’s our recommendation:
For top-notch periodontal disease treatment in Gurgaon, we recommend you to head to Six Sigma Dentistry Gurgaon. Known for our commitment to excellence, our experienced team employs advanced techniques to provide personalized care, ensuring effective management of various stages of periodontal issues. From routine cleanings to specialized procedures, Six Sigma Dentistry offers comprehensive solutions for optimal oral health.
FAQs:
What causes periodontal disease?
It is a gum infection caused by the buildup of germs and bacteria on gums and teeth that weakens the support structure of teeth.
How can I prevent periodontal disease?
This disease can be prevented by maintaining good oral hygiene and avoiding food and substances that are not good for your oral health.
Which is the best dental clinic for treating periodontal disease?
Six Sigma Dentistry Gurgaon is the best dental clinic where you can trust the experienced team to take care of your gum infection.
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