In order to help distinguish between fact and fallacy regarding periodontal disease, the AAP has identified and addressed below some common misconceptions about oral health.

• Bleeding gums are not that big a deal.

Red, swollen and bleeding gums are an important sign of periodontal disease. If you notice bleeding while brushing or flossing, bad breath, loose tooth, pain in gums, swollen gums or food particle get struck in between the tooth , you should schedule a visit with your dental professional to be evaluated for periodontal disease. Studies have shown that in addition to tooth loss, gum disease may contribute to the progression of other diseases, including heart disease and diabetes, so it is important that you begin treating periodontal disease as soon as possible

.• You don’t need to floss every day.

Routine oral care, which includes brushing after every meal and before bedtime, and flossing at least once a day, is the best way to prevent gum disease. However, a recent survey estimates that only 13.5 percent of Americans floss each day. It is vital that you keep up with your daily oral care, and see a dental professional for a thorough check-up twice a year. If gum disease is diagnosed, a consultation with a Periodontist, a dentist who specializes in treating periodontal disease, may be beneficial.

• A visit to the Periodontist will be scary.

Periodontist are gum disease experts. They have received three or more years of specialized training following dental school centered on the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of periodontal disease. Periodontist are well equipped with the latest treatments and technologies, using innovative tools such as digital radiography, ultrasound technology, biomarker measurement and laser therapy to help make your visit more comfortable.

• A tooth lost to gum disease is a tooth lost forever.

Gum disease is a major cause of tooth loss in adults. However, in addition to treating gum disease, Periodontist are also experts in placing dental implants – a convenient and comfortable way to permanently replace missing teeth. A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is placed into the jaw to hold a replacement tooth. Studies have shown that dental implants have a 90 percent success rate, and with proper care, allow you to speak, eat and smile with confidence.

• How is gum disease treated?

The main goal of treatment is to control the infection. The number and types of treatment will vary, depending on the extent of the gum disease. Any type of treatment requires that the patient keep up good daily care at home. The doctor may also suggest changing certain behaviors, such as quitting smoking, as a way to improve treatment outcome.The different types of treatment approach in periodontitis - which includes scaling, root planning, curettage, Conventional traditional Flap surgery, Bone Grafting for angular defect, recent advanced treatment like LASER application in periodontics will help to improve the condition and stop further bone loss.

If untreated condition - Early age of tooth loss, followed by systemic complication which leads to the formation of periodontitis bacteria.