Are You at Risk for Gum Disease?

Some years ago, many people believed that aging was the biggest cause of gum disease. Today, we know that aging itself is not the culprit of gum disease. There are other factors can make you more susceptible. Fortunately, learning about the risk factors and adopting preventive care methods is effective for preventing the disease.

Information about gum disease

What is periodontal (gum) disease?

Periodontal disease is an infection that causes inflammation of the gum tissues and other supporting tissues of the teeth. The initial stage of gum disease, known as gingivitis, starts when the toxic substances created by a bacterial plaque on the teeth cause gum irritation, causing bleeding and inflammation. If neglected, gingivitis worsens into a more complex disease called periodontitis, which may lead to tooth loss.

Risk factors of gum disease   

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), almost 50 percent of all adults above age 30 have some form of gum disease. The risk factors of gum disease include:

• Medications: Certain medications affect saliva flow, causing dry mouth and limiting your body’s ability to flush out bacteria. Treatments for conditions such as HIV and cancer can also have adverse effects on the gums
• Diabetes: This condition inhibits your body’s ability to combat infections, such as gum disease, due to unstable blood sugar levels. The ability to control blood sugar is vital for oral health
• Smoking: Smoking is not just detrimental to the health, it affects your gums too. Smoking causes dry mouth and can hinder the successful treatment of gum diseases
• Hormonal changes in women: Hormonal fluctuations and pregnancy can heighten inflammatory reaction to bacterial plaque, causing gum bleeding. During pregnancy, women are susceptible to “pregnancy gingivitis.” If untreated, that could progress into periodontitis
• Heredity: Your genetic makeup can also predispose you to the risk of gum disease

Signs and symptoms of periodontal disease

Certain signs indicate gum infection, which you should never ignore, including:

• Loose teeth and painful chewing
• Inflamed or swollen gums that are receding from the teeth
• Bleeding and painful gums, especially while brushing and flossing
• Persistent bad breath and a foul taste in the mouth.
• Changes in bite and teeth alignment
• Changes in the fit of dentures or partial bridges

Once you start noticing any of the above signs, reach out to your dentist immediately for treatment.

Preventing periodontal disease

Prevention is the best solution to gum disease. Excellent oral hygiene, such as thorough brushing twice daily and flossing of the teeth, is crucial for fighting against gum diseases. This will help reduce the number of harmful bacteria responsible for gum diseases in the mouth.

A regular dental appointment is also important since it allows your dentist to check the teeth and perform a deep cleaning to eliminate tartar that may have accumulated on the teeth. Also, ask your dentist about picking a toothpaste that helps to fight plaque and tartar accumulation and antibacterial mouthwashes that control bacteria in the mouth.

In conclusion

Your dentist is your best line of defense for reducing your risk for gum disease. Discuss any potential risk factors and work collaboratively to develop a proper oral health plan.

Contact us today for more information. We can help guide you on how to avoid gum disease.

Request an appointment here: https://www.sacramentosleepdentist.com or call Dental Excellence of Greenhaven at (916) 293-0504 for an appointment in our Sacramento office.

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