Which Risk Factors of Gum Disease Can You Lower?

There are many risk factors that can either increase the likelihood you will come down with gum disease or stay bacteria-free.

With different promotional presentations and product descriptions, it can be really tough to know what you can do to limit the chances of developing gum disease. Our office is happy to provide some information you can use to make good choices.

Risk Factors You Don’t Have Any Control Over

If you come from a family that has had a history of gum disease. Your heredity is completely out of your control. By proactively scheduling a consistent dental exam, you can ensure you catch any early signs of disease.

Health issues like diabetes or pregnancy can cause your body to react in a way that negatively affects your oral health. If you are under a large amount of stress, it can be out of your control and affect your oral health. Medications, faulty dentistry, or hormonal variations can affect your oral health and are out of your control.

Risk Factors You Can Control

The ways you floss and how often is a crucial part of protecting your gums. Making sure you are daily flossing below the gumline will ensure you remove any building bacteria. If you use tobacco, it’s important to know that it has been linked with a series of serious illnesses like lung disease, cancer, and heart disease. Many studies have shown that tobacco is most likely the most serious risk factor for gum disease that you have control over.

It also is the most serious because it is a leader in the development and growth of periodontal disease. A diet that is low in providing you with the nutrients you need can cause the body’s immune system to be lowered and make it much more difficult for your body to fight off infections. Periodontal disease is started by an infection, a poor diet can make the condition much worse. Research has also shown that obesity can increase the risk of periodontal disease.

If you are concerned you may be developing gum disease. Call us today, we can quickly schedule you for an exam and provide personal recommendations.