What Are the Risk Factors of Gum Disease?

Your whole life, you’ve been told by your dentist that if you aren’t practicing excellent oral hygiene, you’ll develop gum disease. This is an infection of the tissue that surrounds and holds your teeth into place. Your teeth need healthy supporting gum tissue in order to stay strong. Poor oral hygiene is the most common reason for gum disease, but there are other factors that contribute as well. Continue reading to learn more from a dentist in Love Field about the risk factors of gum disease so that you can be more informed about your oral health.

Age

The older you get, the higher your risk is to develop gum disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 70% of Americans over the age of 65 are dealing with periodontitis which is the most serious form of gum disease. Half of adults over the age of 30 have gum disease at one severity or another.

Tobacco Products

Using tobacco products is linked to many serious illnesses such as cancer, lung disease, and health disease. People who smoke are twice as likely to develop gum disease than those who don’t. Studies have even shown that tobacco use may be one of the most significant risk factors when it comes to the development and progression of periodontal disease.

Genetics

According to research, some people are more likely to develop gum disease simply because it runs in the family. If this is the case, it is even more important that you maintain an excellent oral hygiene routine and see your dentist on a regular basis for cleanings and checkups. They can determine if you would benefit from gum disease therapy as well.

Stress

Having high stress levels are linked to many different serious health problems like hypertension, cancer, and all sorts of other health issues. This is also a risk factor for gum disease because stress makes it more difficult for the body to fight off infections.

Medications

Oral contraceptives, antidepressants, heart medications, and other drugs can increase your susceptibility of developing oral health issues, including gum disease. This is something that you need to discuss with your doctor and dentist so you can come up with the right solution for you.

Systematic Disease

Any disease that interferes with your body’s inflammatory system can worsen the condition of your gums. This includes conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Poor Nutrition

When you aren’t consuming all of the essential nutrients, this compromises your body’s immune system and limits your body’s ability to fight off infections. Obesity is also a factor that can increase your risk.

Your oral hygiene routine is important, but it isn’t the only thing to consider. By making informed decisions about your health and following the advice of your dentist, you can keep your gums in excellent shape!

About the Practice

At Bear Creek Family Dentistry, the team consists of both general and specialists in pediatric dentistry, orthodontics, oral surgery, and prosthodontics, so patients can get everything they need under one roof. The staff are devoted to completing numerous hours of continuing education every year in order to keep up with advances in technology and techniques. For more information on gum health or to schedule an appointment, visit their website or call (214) 350-5333.