A member asked:

Please share an interesting fact about gum disease.

54 doctors weighed in across 44 answers
Dr. Tracy Berg answered

Specializes in General Surgery

Abcessed: Abscessed teeth and gum disease contribute to many additional chronic health problems.

Answered 5/11/2014

5.3k views

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About: About 75% of the population has some form of gum disease. Gum disease is leading cause of tooth loss.

Answered 2/22/2014

5.3k views

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Keep: Keep toothpicks in your car. Do extra cleaning between the back teeth where gum disease starts 1st.

Answered 2/20/2014

5.2k views

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Dr. Laurence Badgley answered

Specializes in General Practice

Longevity: Longevity has been determined to be related to the number of natural teeth you have left.

Answered 2/19/2014

5.2k views

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Dr. Abraham Jaskiel answered

Specializes in Dentistry

It: It is not normal to bleed in any part of your body, including your gums!

Answered 9/16/2013

5.2k views

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Dr. Brian Hoffman answered

Specializes in Dentistry

One: When you lose bone to periodontal disease, it does not come back without surgery.

Answered 6/11/2013

5.2k views

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Dr. Abraham Jaskiel answered

Specializes in Dentistry

Did: Did you know gingivitis is caused by a combination of three bacteria? Brush them out at least 3x a day.

Answered 5/19/2013

5.2k views

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Brushing: Brushing more will not help gum disease. You need floss as well.

Answered 9/18/2013

5.2k views

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Bacteria: Bacteria from the mouth have been found in the brains of alzheimer's patients.

Answered 4/7/2014

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If: If teeth are straight, they are easier to care for. See an orthodontist.

Answered 5/23/2014

5.1k views

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Dr. Gregory LaMorte answered

Specializes in Periodontics

Gum: Gum disease is the major cause of tooth loss in adults.

Answered 10/8/2017

5.1k views

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Straight: Straight teeth easier to clean, therefore less cavities and less gum disease.

Answered 7/13/2013

5.1k views

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Dr. Thomas Wright answered

Specializes in Phlebology

People: People who floss and care for their gums live on average 7 years longer.

Answered 9/29/2016

5.1k views

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It: It is not normal for your gums to bleed as you get older. Healthy gums do not bleed

Answered 4/3/2014

5k views

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Dr. Steven Koos answered

Specializes in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Gum: Gum disease is been shown to have associated systemic effects - coronary heart disease, stroke, etc.

Answered 2/10/2017

5k views

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Dr. Kayvon Javid answered

Specializes in Dentistry

Gum: It's a myth that gum disease is not related to smoking.

Answered 12/9/2013

5k views

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Dr. Daniel Kessler answered

Specializes in Family Medicine

Chewing: It's a myth that chewing tobacco is not as harmful as cigarettes. Quite the opposite is true.

Answered 7/18/2013

5k views

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Dr. Greg Rubin answered

Specializes in Cosmetic Dentistry

Most: Most of the bacteria causing gum disease is anaerobic - meaning they do not like oxygen.

Answered 1/5/2014

5k views

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Dr. Greg Rubin answered

Specializes in Cosmetic Dentistry

Gum: Gum disease cannot be brushed or flossed away... Because you cannot kill bacteria by brushing.

Answered 9/28/2016

5k views

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Dr. Ihab Ibrahim answered

Specializes in Pain Management

You: You lose your teeth because your gums aren't healthy. Healthy gums will protect teeth.

Answered 6/3/2014

5k views

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Easier: Easier to care for teeth and gums when teeth are straight. See a qualified orthodontic specialist.

Answered 11/23/2013

5k views

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That: It's a myth that: you can cure gum disease on your own without the help of a dentist.

Answered 10/4/2016

4.9k views

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If: If teeth/jaws misaligned, be proactive. Ask your dentist for referral to an orthodontic specialist.

Answered 8/23/2013

4.9k views

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Dr. John Comisi answered

Specializes in Dentistry

Gum: Gum disease is an infection which effects the whole body. It must be treated to help you stay heathy.

Answered 5/8/2017

4.9k views

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Dr. Harold Peltan answered

Specializes in Ophthalmology

Chronic: Chronic gum disease can cause heart disease.

Answered 8/30/2013

4.9k views

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Dr. I. Jay Freedman answered

Specializes in Dentistry

There: There are now simple dna tests that help id if you are genetically prone to gum disease.

Answered 12/9/2013

4.9k views

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Dr. Theodore Davantzis answered

Specializes in Dentistry

Proper: Proper brushing and flossing, as well as bi-annual dental cleanings are paramount to gingival health.

Answered 8/3/2015

4.9k views

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Dr. I. Jay Freedman answered

Specializes in Dentistry

If: If you have problems using your hands to really brush your teeth properly, try in electric toothbrus.

Answered 12/9/2013

4.9k views

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Dr. Scott Bobbitt answered

Specializes in Dentistry

Many: Many patients with early gum disease can be helped with non-surgical, regular ultrasonic therapy.

Answered 12/3/2013

4.9k views

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Dr. Scott Bobbitt answered

Specializes in Dentistry

MYTH:: Myth: floss cures gum disease. Fact: once infected, floss alone is of little help.

Answered 9/25/2013

4.9k views

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Gingivitis: Gingivitis is reversible. So act before it gets to periodontitis which is irreversible.

Answered 12/27/2013

4.8k views

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Dr. Sam Markzar answered

Specializes in Dentistry - Periodontics

ALL: All of the diabetic patients will have a type o periodontal diseases at some point of their life.

Answered 2/12/2014

4.8k views

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Dr. Sam Markzar answered

Specializes in Dentistry - Periodontics

There: There are some specific types of periodontal diseases which target young individuals below age 18 !

Answered 12/11/2015

4.8k views

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Dental: Dental cleaning got gaps in my teeth? No, it's removal of tartar between teeth that seems like gaps.

Answered 9/29/2016

4.8k views

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You: You are more prone to gum disease during pregnancy so make sure to brush and floss twice daily.

Answered 12/9/2013

4.8k views

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Dr. Marsha Davis answered

Specializes in Internal Medicine

Ignore: Gum disease affects total health and brushing ; flossing prior to bed can add 6 years to your life!

Answered 11/23/2013

4.7k views

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Dr. Don Millner answered

Specializes in Dentistry - Cosmetic

Ignore: Myth: bleeding gums are normal. Fact: it is symptom of infection. Daily flossing stops bleeding.

Answered 10/29/2015

4.7k views

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Dr. Manami Yamaguchi answered

Specializes in Dentistry

Ignore: Gum disease is a silent disease. It rarely hurts, or visible (by patient) until it is too late.

Answered 11/27/2013

4.7k views

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Dr. Manami Yamaguchi answered

Specializes in Dentistry

Ignore: It's a myth that: if the gum feels and looks normal, i certainly don't have gum disease.

Answered 11/1/2015

4.7k views

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Dr. Daniel Rubenstein answered

Specializes in Dentistry

Gum disease: If untreated, you will lose your teeth. Untreated gum disease and the resulting inflammation may be responsible for, or exacerbate, other diseases throughout the body.

Answered 11/27/2013

4.7k views

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Ignore: Gum disease is based in a bacterial infection and as such can be contagious.

Answered 12/7/2013

4.7k views

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Ignore: Gum disease can be eliminated by a periodontist and they will teach you how to prevent it s return.

Answered 4/19/2014

4.2k views

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Dr. Bernard Seif answered

Specializes in Clinical Psychology

Xylitol is a natural: Sugar that can helpful for teeth and gums. It comes in gum form called Spry, toothpaste, and mouthwash and is available in health food stores. Please follow dentist's advice. Peace and good health.

Answered 1/2/2015

3.4k views

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Ignore: It can be aggravated by chronic stress.

Answered 4/15/2015

3k views

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