Did you know that gum disease is one of the most common health conditions in the world? In fact, it’s estimated that around half of all US adults over the age of 30 have some form of the condition. What’s worse is that despite its name, gum disease can negatively impact more than just your gums – it can cause tooth loss if left untreated or even lead to systematic health issues that affect your overall wellness. Continue reading to learn more about some of the most common risk factors of gum disease, along with a few easy ways you can safeguard yourself from this serious condition!
4 Common Risk Factors of Gum Disease
There are a variety of risk factors associated with gum disease, and not all of them are easily identifiable. This is why routine dental care is so crucial; your dentist or periodontist can easily scope out any hidden issues and develop a treatment plan to assist you. That said, it’s still helpful to know what to look for! A few common risk factors of gum disease include:
Poor Oral Hygiene
Without a proper oral hygiene routine, plaque can spread and grow below the gumline, allowing the toxins produced by bacteria to irritate the gums and infect the tissue. If untreated, this can destroy gum, tooth, and jawbone tissue. Brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day is one of the best ways to mitigate this, in addition to routine biannual dental care.
Lifestyle Choices
Poor hygiene is a lifestyle choice, but there are other ways to self-sabotage your gum health, and smoking is perhaps the biggest one. Cigarettes and tobacco can wreak your gum tissue, as well as lead to other problems including oral cancer. Stress, poor nutrition, and obesity can also increase your risk of periodontal disease.
Age and Heredity
Studies indicate that older patients typically have higher rates of periodontal disease, which often contributes to their increased rate of tooth loss. It’s also worth noting that some people may be genetically susceptible to gum disease, even despite diligent at-home oral care habits.
Medications
Another risk factor that’s mostly out of your control includes medications; believe it or not, certain medicines that you need to take for other health reasons might also increase your risk of gum disease. Some reduce saliva flow, causing dry mouth and giving bacteria more opportunities to cause issues. Others create hormonal changes that can increase your body’s inflammatory response or alter your immune response.
Tips for Preventing Gum Disease
There are numerous threats out there that can contribute to gum disease, so taking measures to prevent them all is the best way to protect your smile! Consider these tips:
- Routine oral preventive care is a must, but you also need to brush and floss every day at home. Improved oral hygiene can even reverse the effects of mild gum disease in some instances.
- Avoid unwise lifestyle habits like smoking cigarettes or using tobacco products. Similarly, if you’re stressed and it’s causing you to grind your teeth, consider a protective nightguard to prevent this unfavorable contact.
- A diet low in important nutrients can compromise the body’s immune system, so sticking to a healthy diet gives your body better odds against gum disease and other issues that may compromise your oral health.
About the Practice
The team at Frisco Periodontics and Dental Implants has served patients in Frisco and the surrounding DFW metroplex for several years. Under the leadership of Dr. Zachary Carnow, they offer a wide variety of services, including gum disease treatment, dental implant placement, and beyond! If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to contact the team to set up an appointment, please reach out online or call today for more information. Telephone: (214) 619-4990.