Gum Disease: How It Develops and Who Is At Risk
Reports show that approximately 47.2% of individuals aged 30 and over have periodontal disease. Periodontitis is an advanced gum disease that damages the soft tissue and bone supporting the teeth. If you don't treat periodontitis sooner, you are at risk of tooth loss and other health complications, which include lung disease, diabetes, and stroke.
Unfortunately, some individuals are unaware of gum disease causes and risk factors. Learn about what you should know.
How Does Gum Disease Develop?
Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease. Gingivitis occurs when plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, forms on your teeth. If you don't brush and floss regularly, the plaque will harden and turn into tartar, which is more difficult to remove.
As tartar builds up, the substance may cause the gums to separate from the teeth. This damage causes pockets that may eventually fill with plaque and increase the risk of gum infection. The infection damages the bone and connective tissue that support your teeth. Periodontitis occurs when gingivitis is not treated and progresses.
Who Is at a Higher Risk of Gum Disease?
While anyone can develop gum disease, specific individuals are at a higher risk.
People Who Smoke
First, smoking makes it harder for your body to fight infection. And since periodontitis is an infection, people who smoke are at a higher risk of developing gum disease.
People With Poor Oral Hygiene
Improper brushing and flossing are probably among the main reasons people develop gum disease. If you don't brush your teeth regularly and correctly, you give room for plaque and tartar to form on your teeth. This buildup leads to gingivitis and, eventually, periodontitis.
People With Systematic Illness
Certain medical conditions can also cause gum disease. For instance, diabetes lowers the body's resistance to infection. So, if you have diabetes and don't care for your teeth and gums, you're more likely to develop periodontitis. Other illnesses that may increase your risk of gum disease include HIV/AIDS and rheumatoid arthritis.
People Who Take Certain Medications
Some medications may cause dry mouth. these drugs interfere with the salivary glands, which decreases saliva production. Saliva helps to cleanse the mouth and reduce plaque buildup. So, if you have a dry mouth due to medication, you're more likely to develop gum disease.
People With a Family History of Gum Disease
You may be at a higher risk of gum disease if it runs in your family, such as if your parents or grandparents had gum disease.
People Who Are Older
As you age, your body can’t easily fight off infection and repair damaged tissue. As a result, you're more likely to develop gum disease as you age.
People Who Have an Improper Diet
Your immune system requires a balanced diet to function correctly. If you don't eat a healthy diet, your body becomes more susceptible to infection. Furthermore, a poor diet may cause obesity, another gum disease risk factor.
You can take precautions against gum disease by knowing the causes and risk factors. For example, if you smoke, now is the time to quit. And if you don’t have a balanced diet, start making healthier food choices. In addition, improve your oral hygiene habits to prevent gum disease.
Some risks like age and family history are beyond your control. However, you can talk to us at Anderson Dental Group for helpful tips on managing these risks. Also, if you already have gum disease, you can trust us for a customized treatment plan to reverse the disease. So contact us today for a consultation, and let's discuss how we can help you achieve optimal oral health.
