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Debunking Two Myths About Gum Disease

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This book can help you save your teeth
This book can help you save your teeth
There are two major misconceptions when it comes to gum disease. One is that people believe it is something you only get when you are older. The second is an incorrect notion on how many people actually have gum disease.

Let’s look at the first notion. Gum disease is something that occurs at all ages. Children as young as six years old have been found to have it. Periodontal disease (another name for gum disease) is often thought to occur as a consequence of aging by most people.

Actually, what is happening is that the damage has been accumulating over time. You don’t realize that you have it when you are young. You just see the results show up later in life (mid 30’s and beyond) and you think you just got gum disease as a result of getting older. There is a need to take care of your gum health at all ages.

The second notion is about how many people actually have gum disease. Periodontists and dentists generally will agree that up to 80% of the population has some form of gum disease right now. That is a scary thought, right?

What does that really mean? Eighty percent means eight out of ten. Line yourself and nine of your friends up and the statistics say that up to eight of you will have some form of gum disease right now. What are the odds that you are one of the 8 and not one of the other two that are completely free of gum disease?

Now let’s say that periodontists are wrong with this statistic (just for the sake of argument). Let’s say that the real number is 40% or 4 out of ten. There is still a pretty good chance that you or someone you love or are friends with has it, right?

About the author:
David Snape invites you to learn more about his book: What You Should Know about Gum Disease

Gum Disease: Should I Get a Second Opinion?

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Question: Gmj wrote:

Hi I saw one of your videos on youtube and I wanted to ask I am 22 years old and my dentist said i need to get a deep cleaning. Am nervous about the whole thing specially since I have braces on.

Do you think I should get a second opinion?

Answer: Hi Gmj, thank you for submitting your question.

Here is how I view the issue. First of all, ALL patients should realize that it is their RIGHT to seek a second opinion if they wish too.

Second: If you are feeling uncomfortable with your dentist’s recommendation, then I definitely think it is appropriate to seek a second opinion. Obviously, you feel something at a gut level.

What I would do personally, in a case like this, is to go see a periodontist – not just another dentist but a periodontist.

Why? Periodontists are dentists but they have additional training in gum disease. Not only that, but usually the major focus of their practice is gum health and disease. Therefore, they may be in a better position to tell you about what your gums may need.

Look at it this way. Would you rather have a general medical doctor give you advice on your heart or would you rather have an experienced cardiologist (doctor who specializes on the heart) give you advice on matters concerning your heart?

I think I know how you answered that.

Personally, I would rather have a periodontist tell me about my gum health. And personally speaking, I have. Want to know the result? The periodontist had a lot more to tell me about my gum health than the general dentist did, including practical suggestions. The periodontist did a thorough check of my gums in a way that no one at the general dentist’s office did.

Now, I’m not saying you can’t find a general dentist that has it together when it comes to gum tissue. But I can tell you that my general dentist didn’t help me much with my gum health. The periodontist did. There was a huge difference in the level of care and concern for my dental health.

I ‘fired’ my dentist. Again, that is not to slam general dentists. I’m certain there are very good ones out there. Mine wasn’t as good as I would have liked in this area. I’m just telling you my personal experience.

David Snape
Author: What You Should Know about Gum Disease – A Layman’s Guide to Fighting Gum Disease