subject: Major Risk Factors for Gum Disease [print this page] Major Risk Factors for Gum Disease Major Risk Factors for Gum Disease
There are a number of risk factors for gum disease, but the good news is that they are all preventable. Periodontal disease starts to develop usually mid-life, but doesn't become a full blown problem until later on at an older age. Genetic susceptibility is one risk factor, but smoking, improper oral hygiene, and sugar and acids can be risk factors.
A shocking number of other health conditions can also lead to gum disease later in life. Everything from oral contraceptives, to breathing through the mouth, can eventually deteriorate your gums. It is important to always maintain a healthy mouth to avoid loss of healthy teeth and gums! Without proper maintenance it is impossible to have healthy teeth.
You can prevent gum disease by developing a regular routine first and foremost. Start as soon as possible. Brush two to three times a day, and floss in the evening. Use a gentle mouthwash to flush out bacteria between the teeth after flossing. This routine will keep your breath fresh and your mouth free from bacteria. It is important to floss in the evening at the minimum, since bacteria breeds in the warm environment at night. Doing this regularly will prevent gum disease from ever developing.
Visiting a dentist for regular cleanings is also important to prevent gum disease. They can spot underlying problems that you cannot see. Be sure to get a check up at least once per year at a minimum, twice if possible. This is especially important for developing children and teenagers that may have growth problems with their gums and teeth.
Everyone of all ages should avoid smoking and eating and drinking high acid foods. If you eat something with high acid content, be sure to brush your teeth after doing so. This will prevent wear and tear of the teeth and gums. Acids are present in a lot of fruits, so if you consume them regularly, brush after eating.
You can prevent gum disease easily, and treat gum disease as well. If you have developed a problem with the gums, following the above steps and getting treatment as soon as possible will help treat gum disease. Of course, the best way to avoid it is to prevent gum disease from the beginning.
If you are able to start to treat gum disease early on, then you can avoid having surgical procedures. The first option is a very careful cleaning and removal of plaque and bacteria on the gum and root of the teeth. This is one of the easiest ways to treat gum disease, but can only be done in the early stages of the disease. Those with a severe problem are likely to need surgical procedures, which may involve losing some or all of their teeth. It must be stressed that finding a way to treat gum disease early on is the most important part of healing.
In the end, if you maintain a healthy and clean mouth you will have nothing to worry over! It is easy to prevent gum disease, even with genetics being a risk factor for your gum health.
