Good To Know

Good To Know

Separate Fact From Fiction

Many patients have common misconceptions about periodontal disease, reports the

American Academy of Periodontology (AAP). Here are 4 myths your patients may believe

about periodontal disease—and some useful information you can share when you discuss

the facts about their oral health.

MYTH #1: Gum disease only happens to people who don't clean their

teeth well enough.

Patients may not realize that diligent home care and regular dental visits reduce

their risk for periodontal disease, but don't eliminate it. Tell your patients about

other risk factors—such as smoking, certain medications, and family history of the disease.

MYTH #2: A little bleeding when I brush is nothing to worry about.

More than 1 in 3 adults say they consider some bleeding normal with brushing, reports

the American Dental Association. That means many patients may miss this warning sign

of gum disease. Ask your patients directly about bleeding and other warning signs they

might overlook.

MYTH #3: I’ll spot the signs of periodontal disease before it gets severe.

Many patients don’t realize that periodontal disease isn’t easy to detect—especially

early on when symptoms may be silent. Reinforcing this fact may encourage patients

to keep regular appointments.

MYTH #4: I can take care of periodontal disease myself just by brushing

and flossing more. Patients may not realize when they need your help. They may

not know that periodontal disease is a bacterial infection that can cause irreversible

damage such as bone loss if left untreated. Learning about the resistant nature of a

periodontal infection may help patients understand why the infection needs professional

treatments such as scaling and root planing and an antibiotic, like ARESTIN®, which

is placed below the gumline to fight the infection at the source.

 

test