Combatting Gum Disease: What Are the Risk Factors?

Do your gums appear red or swollen? Do they bleed when you brush or floss? Do your teeth appear longer than they used to? It may come as a surprise, but millions of Americans suffer from gum disease. Apart from cavities, it is one of the most common oral health problems seen by dentists today, and many individuals do not realize they have it until seen by a trusted professional. A dentist in Oshkosh is here to help you avoid the potential for gum disease by explaining the risk factors that can lead to necessary periodontal therapy.  

Obesity and an Unhealthy Diet

When your diet consists more of sugars and starches than fruits, vegetables, leafy greens, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy, it can take a toll on your mouth and body. Inadequate amounts of nutrients can lead to a larger waistline and weakened immune system, which essentially opens the door for infections to wreak havoc on your smile. Should one develop in your mouth, it can begin to attack your gum tissue and eventually result in bone and tooth loss as well as more serious health conditions (i.e., cardiovascular disease, diabetes, neurological disorders).

Using Tobacco and/or Smoking

Your lungs suffer greatly when choosing to inhale the contents found in cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and even vaping devices. But it isn’t just your respiratory system that will suffer the consequences. You’ll also put yourself at risk for gum disease because of your body’s now weakened immune system. Linked to lung cancer and heart disease, smoking is also closely tied to oral cancer and periodontal disease. It’s best to find cessation resources and support groups to help you quit before it’s too late.

Your Age

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is believed that more than 70% of individuals over the age of 65 have some type of gum disease. The reasons for this are many, but oftentimes, as a person gets older, they may neglect their oral hygiene because of other factors (i.e., forgetfulness, less demanding daily schedule – “retirement,” etc.). No matter your age, your teeth and gums demand regular, daily maintenance. Otherwise, you can be faced with timely and costly treatments to save your smile.

Stress in Your Life

Whether caused by work, your kids, your spouse, or other factors in your life, stress can make life much more difficult. From the mental, physical, and emotional toll it can take on your body and brain, you will also notice a change in how your teeth and gums look and feel. If stress leads to depression, you may no longer care about taking care of your oral health. As a result, you will likely see the development of tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease. To keep this from happening, make sure you are taking steps to minimize the stress in your life, finding coping mechanisms to handle it, and practice necessary self-care to keep your mind, body, and smile in optimal shape.

Other common gum disease risk factors include genetics, systemic diseases, teeth grinding, and even certain medications you may be taking (i.e., oral contraceptives, heart medicine, and anti-depressants). No matter which ones are putting you at risk, don’t be afraid to inquire about ways you can lower the potential for gum disease and ensure a healthier, longer-lasting smile.

About the Author
Are you struggling with gum disease? Are you worried your bad habits or poor nutrition could put you at risk for an oral infection? At Oshkosh Complete Dentistry, Dr. Bob Heil and his team can provide preventive services to mitigate the potential for gum disease as well as periodontal therapy should you require more complex dental care. Dr. Heil has more than 20 years of experience working in the field of dentistry and graduated from the University of Minnesota with his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. If you would like to take better care of your gum health, contact us at (920) 235-0320.