From the American Dental Association's Mouth Healthy initiative, some common myths about gum disease for your patients...

1. Gum disease is not that common- On the contrary, gum disease is extremely common. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, half of adults age 30 and older suffer from some form of gum disease.
2. I don't have cavities so I can't have gum disease- Being cavity-free doesn’t ensure you are in the clear where gum disease is concerned. That’s because gum disease is painless and many people have no idea they have it.
3. Having gum disease means I will lose my teeth- Not so! You don’t have to lose any of your teeth to gum disease if you practice good oral hygiene.
4. Bleeding gums during pregnancy is normal- While it’s true that some women develop a condition known as “pregnancy gingivitis,” it’s not true that everyone experiences this.
5. Bad breath can be an indicator of gum disease- Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth can be an indicator of gum disease and other oral diseases so it is important that you uncover what’s causing the problem.
6. I have diabetes. Will I get gum disease?- If you have diabetes, you are at greater risk of developing some oral health problems, including gum disease, so it's important that you are extra diligent with your oral health.

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