Gum Disease - How To Know If You're At Risk For It

One of the main causes of gum disease is from bacteria found in plaque

. But there are many other contributing factors that can cause it. These factors include medications, other disease conditions, and dental habits. These factors can make you prone to periodontal disease or exacerbate it once the infection sets in.

Scientific research leads us to believe up to 30% of the general population may carry a genetic trait that makes them more susceptible to developing gum infection. But just because you carry the gene does not guarantee you'll develop the disease. It has been shown that individuals who are highly susceptible to this disease because of their genetic makeup can prevent or keep the disease under control with good dental hygiene.

One habit that increases your chance of developing this disease is smoking. There is a direct correlation between the amount of time you smoke and your susceptibility to developing this disease. If you have existing gum problems, smoking will only make it worse. Smoking makes it difficult to treat periodontal disease. People who smoke develop more tartar on their teeth and form deeper gum pockets once they develop the disease. They are also prone to losing more bone as the infection gets worse. Unlike the other causes that can affect the health of your gums, you actually have control over your smoking habit. One significant step a smoker can take to keep his or her gum infection under control is to quit smoking.

Anything in your mouth that makes it difficult to brush and floss will lead to extra plaque and tartar forming on your teeth. The more plaque and tartar you develop, the greater the risk of contracting a gum infection. Only a trained dental professional such as your family dentist or periodontist can show you the best ways to keep your teeth clean. If you have crooked and misaligned teeth, your dentist will recommend you visit the orthodontist. This will help make your smile straight and increase your chances of avoiding gum disease.

While grinding or clinching your teeth won't necessarily cause a gum problem, it can lead to more problems if your gums are already irritated. These habits exert extra force on the teeth speeding up the destruction of periodontal ligament and bone. If you have this destructive habit, consult with your dentist about wearing a custom night guard.

Increased stress can also raise your chances of developing gum problems. Stress depletes your body's defense system making it difficult to ward off infection, including gum infections.

Hormones can play a factor in the development of this disease process. As your hormones fluctuate, changes can develop in your mouth. Conditions such as pregnancy, menopause or puberty can temporarily increase your chances of developing this disease.

Medications play a role in the health of your gums. Several types of medications can lead to an area that if the throne dry mouth, or xerostomia. Without an adequate flow of saliva, plaque quickly begins to form. Other medications can cause your gums to become swollen, which also makes them prone to accumulating plaque.

Certain disease conditions also contribute to the development of periodontal disease. People with diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and HIV infections have a hard time controlling their gum infections. Be sure to visit your dentist for proper guidance on maintaining your dental health.

A good diet is also important for your overall physical and dental health. If you're suffering from a severe vitamin C deficiency, you'll experience bleeding gums.

by: Sarah P. Shimanski

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