Leading Risk Factors For Gum Disease And What You Should Do

Gum disease is a common ailment that affects many American adults yearly. The disease can worsen over time, especially if not treated early. Also, gum disease can birth numerous health issues that can relate to your oral and overall health. However, this doesn’t mean that the condition is inevitable as you can overcome it with gum treatments Campbell.

But have you ever wondered if you’re among the individuals at risk for gum disease? There is a higher probability that you may have one or more factors significantly contributing to gum disease. While this progressive condition begins with symptoms like tender, red, or bleeding gums, there is a reason behind their occurrence. Here are the leading risk factors for gum disease that you can overcome.

1.Poor oral hygiene

Oral hygiene plays a vital role in the health of your mouth, including the gums. Calculus buildup in your teeth is one of the typical causes of gum disease. Improper brushing and flossing fail to clean out plaque hidden between your teeth which leaks bacteria into your gums. The bacteria can cause severe gingivitis and periodontal issues, making your gums tender and painful. Therefore, you should thoroughly brush or floss your teeth and engage in frequent dental cleanings.

2.Age and genetics

It’s quite impossible to evade risk factors like age and genetics. Generally, as you age, your body will become susceptible to disease and infection, intensifying your risk of gum disease. Also, oral health issues like gum disease run in the family genes. You are at greater risk of gum disease, especially if a close family member, like your parents or siblings, already has the condition. However, in such a case, you should get regular checkups to avoid severe symptoms.

3.Certain medications

Persistent use of certain medications like steroids, oral contraceptives, antidepressants, and heart medicines can cause gum disease. Mostly, these medications cause dry mouth making it challenging for your mouth to wash away food debris from your teeth. Also, saliva contains powerful antibodies that fight bacteria; thus, a reduction in saliva intensifies the risk for cavities and periodontal disease.

4.Clenching or grinding your teeth

Chronically grinding or clenching your teeth puts you at risk for gum disease. Bruxism is often caused by stress and can strain your teeth, leading to loss. This can create pockets between your tooth root and gum tissue. The bacteria in your mouth can therefore enter into your gums and result in severe gum disease.

5.Hormone changes in women

Unfortunately, hormonal fluctuations in women, especially during pregnancy, can cause inflamed gums. This can cause symptoms related to gum disease to worsen. Therefore, if you’re pregnant, you should watch out for possible signs of gingivitis and seek treatments.

6.Smoking or chewing tobacco

Smoking can wreak havoc on your gum health. Tobacco use drastically weakens your body’s ability to combat infections like gum disease. Furthermore, addictive tobacco use can alter the effectiveness of gum disease treatments. It will help if you quit smoking or chewing tobacco to get the best out of gum disease treatments.

You shouldn’t snub gum disease as the condition further alters your circulatory system. That said, detecting the periodontal disease before it worsens is one of the best ways to prevent further gum damage. Also, if you have any of the above-listed risk factors, you should make frequent appointments with your periodontist for checkups and treatments.