Why is gum disease so often underestimated?

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a widespread condition that affects a large percentage of the population. Despite its prevalence, gum disease is often underestimated, which can lead to serious consequences for oral and overall health. Here at AP Smilecare, we’ve listed off a few of the main reasons why gum disease is frequently underestimated and why it’s so important to take this condition seriously.

It often has no obvious symptoms

One of the reasons why gum disease often goes unnoticed by many of those who contract it is that it can be asymptomatic in its early stages. People may not realise they have it until it has progressed to a more severe form, by which point the disease has typically reached a more advanced stage and immediate treatment is required. This lack of obvious symptoms can give people a false sense of security, which can be costly to oral health in the long run.

What’s more, gum disease is not always painful (at least not initially), which can lead people to underestimate its severity. However, even in the absence of pain, gum disease can cause damage to the gums and underlying bone structure, leading to tooth loss and other complications.

It’s not taken seriously enough

Gum disease is not as well-known as other oral health conditions, such as cavities. This lack of awareness can lead people to underestimate the seriousness of gum disease. As a result, many people may not consider it a significant enough issue to warrant attention or treatment until it’s too late.

It’s not uncommon for people to prioritise other health conditions over gum disease. This may be because it’s not immediately life-threatening, unlike some other conditions. However, the long-term effects of gum disease can be serious and impact overall health. For example, it’s been linked to other health problems such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

It’s preventable

Since gum disease is preventable, some people believe that it’s not a significant health issue, and that they can avoid it simply by maintaining good oral hygiene habits. While good oral hygiene is an essential part of preventing gum disease, it’s not the only factor that contributes to the condition. A few of the most common risk factors include smoking, genetics, and certain medications, so it’s important to ensure you’re covering all bases when it comes to your oral health! And that starts with a great dental service.

Maintaining good oral hygiene habits, avoiding risk factors, and seeking professional dental care can help prevent and treat gum disease. We can help you with the latter – we offer a complete smile makeover service here at AP Smilecare, alongside a diverse range of other dental treatments. To find out more, feel free to give our Blackburn dental clinic a call on 01254 495920, or simply pop by in person. We’re always happy to see you!