Have you ever questioned if you are at risk of periodontal disease? Perhaps you have never considered it, but there is a chance that one or more factors are placing you at risk. Periodontal disease is a chronic ailment that starts out with symptoms that most people dismiss as normal. Gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease, is characterized by red, tender, and bleeding gums. As the condition progresses, you may suffer swollen gums and, ultimately, receding gums that cause loosening or falling out of teeth. Regrettably, if bone and gum tissues are severely damaged, it takes surgery to fix these structures and restore your oral health. Thus, recognizing the risk factors for periodontal disease Campbell can go a long way in assisting you to keep this issue from wreaking havoc on your smile and your dental health! Continue reading to learn more.
Poor Dental Hygiene
The most prevalent reason for periodontal disease is the accumulation of calculus on your teeth, releasing toxins affecting your gum tissues. This buildup is frequently caused by poor oral hygiene, whether from improper flossing or brushing routines. Likewise, skipping seeing your dentist for cleanings twice every year can heighten your risk for gum disease.
Genetics And Age
Sadly, genetics and age are two unmanageable risk factors. With aging, your body becomes more vulnerable to disease and infections, putting you in danger of periodontal disease. Likewise, inherited factors can increase your chance of gum disease, particularly if close relatives have already been diagnosed.
Tobacco Use Or Smoking
Smoking weakens the body’s capability to battle infection, rendering it harder to repair gum disease following a diagnosis. In fact, a recent study shows that smokers are twice as probable to acquire gum disease throughout their lives. Therefore, proper lifestyle habits are essential. If you smoke, stopping can help protect your smile, enhance your general health, and lower your susceptibility to much more severe diseases than periodontal disease.
Teeth Clenching And Grinding
If you regularly clench and grind (bruxism) your teeth, you may be placing yourself at risk for gingivitis. Whether because of stress or involuntarily, bruxism exerts great strain on your teeth, prompting them to loosen and develop spaces between the gum tissue and roots. If bacteria build up in these spaces, it could result in gum disease.
Systemic Illnesses
Inherent systemic illnesses, including cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and diabetes, severely impact the body’s inflammatory system and disrupt their immunity. Gum disease and systemic diseases have a symbiotic relationship. While periodontal disease could raise your risk for systemic illnesses, systemic illnesses could also make you more vulnerable to gum disease. Considering that most of these systemic illnesses are manageable, it is best to seek expert care.
Specific Medication
Dry mouth is a side effect of various medications, including antidepressants and some cardiac medications. Food debris is harder to wash away from the teeth when there is less saliva in the mouth. Moreover, saliva constitutes powerful antibodies that aid in the battle against bacteria; thus, a decrease in saliva raises the likelihood of cavities and gum disease in the worst-case scenario.
Nutritional Deficiencies And Health Problems
Not surprisingly, poor health practices and malnutrition are linked to a heightened risk of oral health issues such as periodontal disease. Without the right nutrients, it becomes hard for your body to fight against diseases because of the weakening immunity. Furthermore, a diet rich in carbohydrates, starch, and sugars could damage tooth enamel, rendering it more susceptible to bacterial plaque that results in periodontal disease.
Identifying gum disease before it develops into a more serious concern is the best approach to avoid lasting damage to your teeth, gums, and bone. Therefore, if you suspect you are at greater risk for periodontal disease or are observing symptoms like tender, swollen gums or gum recession, it is best to arrange a periodontal appointment at Ueno Center Dental Specialists. Call the Campbell, CA office or use the online booking tool to get started.