Gum Disease Misconceptions and Half-Truths

According to the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP), an estimated 75 percent of the American population suffers from some form of gum disease, from minor cases of gingivitis to the more severe form of gum disease known as periodontitis. Despite this prevalence, only three percent seek treatment for their case of gum disease.

It is possible that many patients fail to seek the necessary periodontal care because they are not aware of the potentially dangerous and long-term implications of untreated gum disease. The following are some of the most common misconceptions about gum disease to help you get on track with your oral health.

Gum Disease Misconceptions

1. Gum disease is not common.

This is actually not true as indicated by the American Academy of Periodontology. Additionally, the CDC notes that more than 50 percent of adults above 30 years suffer from some form of gum disease.

2. Gum disease is a normal and natural part of aging.

While gum disease is more common in seniors, it can affect anyone, including teens and young adults alike. It is caused by the buildup of dental plaque due to poor oral hygiene, though seniors with receding gums are at higher risk. Other factors that make seniors more prone to gum disease include dry mouth, smoking, and certain medications.

3. Gum disease is a mild condition that will resolve on its own.

Gum disease develops moderately over time, and may not necessarily show symptoms along the way. But this does not make it any less serious. A little soreness and redness on the gums can develop into pockets at the base of the teeth, which are filled with bacteria, causing your teeth to loosen and fall off. Regular dental cleaning is important to remove tartar and plaque under the gums.

4. No cavities means no gum disease.

As mentioned before, the development of gum disease is unnoticeable. It is painless, and many people with incredibly healthy teeth may be unknowingly suffering from the earliest form of gum disease (gingivitis). Signs include redness, inflammation, and easy bleeding.

5. Gum disease has no connection to your overall health.

In severe cases of periodontal disease, bacteria in the mouth can spread to other parts of your body causing conditions like stroke and heart disease. Periodontal disease also makes it harder for diabetes patients to manage their blood sugar levels, plus it poses a threat to people with osteoporosis or respiratory diseases.

Gum disease is a serious concern, and people should be more willing to visit a periodontist to get the condition under control. Even cases of bad breath or bleeding gums during pregnancy should not be taken lightly, as they could be signs of more serious oral concerns.

5 Ways to Afford Dental Care without Insurance

A visit to the dentist can be a bit troubling for those without dental insurance: whether you have recently signed up for dental coverage with your new employer and need to wait until a certain period has passed before it becomes active, or you simply don’t have dental insurance because you work part-time, are self-employed, or have retired.

Additionally, Medicare does not include most dental care, including tooth extractions, fillings, cleanings, dental plates, dentures, or other dental appliances.

In the event of an emergency, when something hurts or breaks, they usually have no choice but to visit their dentist with lots of fear and anxiety about the bill. Fortunately, many good dentists know how to deal with patients who don’t have dental coverage, and often provide a range of solutions to fit their needs.

Before you ignore your dental problem and allow it to worsen, consider the following options for making dental care affordable:

1. Regular check-ups

Visiting your dentist on a regular basis is one of the best ways that can save you money, because it helps you detect any dental problems or related health concerns early before they result in more serious and expensive issues later on. Diagnosing problems early is one of the many specialties for dentists, and provides an effective way to manage many problems. Although the check-ups may cost you a little money, you pay the amount at different times, as opposed to paying one huge bill for serious dental problems after 5 years of absence.

2. Prioritizing

Although there are many dental procedures you would like to perform if you had the money, it is important to always take care of health-threatening conditions first, while minor problems or cosmetic visits come later on.

3. Pay upfront

Studies have proven that most dentists are willing to cut the price by at least 5 percent for patients who pay in advance. Many dentists offer a number of special deals, so ask for suggestions on ways you can save on dental care.

4. Consider a dental payment plan

Many dentists offer alternative payment arrangements for those without insurance. For instance, you may be required to pay an annual fee – over some time and with no interest or financing – in exchange for one comprehensive exam, two cleanings, a teeth whitening, one set of X-rays, and 20 percent off on any other dental service. Others may offer considerable discounts (up to 60 percent) on dental costs for an annual membership fee.

5. Participate in medical studies or charity events

Many organizations and universities research new treatment methods and specific dental conditions, and volunteering to participate in the study in exchange for free dental care can be worthwhile. Alternatively, you can track practices that organize free service days for the communities they operate in for free dental care. All members of the Dental Group Practice Association (DGPA) participate in such volunteer work.

Although some dental problems are unavoidable – like impacted wisdom teeth – you can minimize the risk of most problems through preventive care practices, like proper brushing and flossing and regular dental checkups, so you can attend to dental problems in an expedient manner before they get worse.