ARE YOU AT RISK FOR GUM DISEASE?

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease,

is a serious concern for your oral health.

Not only can untreated gum disease cause you to

lose your teeth early, but it has also been listed

as a risk factor for serious conditions such as

premature childbirth and heart disease.

Fortunately, most cases of gum disease can be prevented

and treated with early detection and education.

Here, are the lifestyle factors and behaviors that increase

your risk for developing gum disease.

AGE

Although severe cases of

gum disease have been

found in children, it is

important to know that it

is a progressive disease.

For this reason, a person’s

risk increases with age

and most adults over the

age of 65 have some form

of periodontitis.

TOBACCO AND ALCOHOL USE

Tobacco and alcohol both

reduce blood flow to the gums

and can cause dry mouth,

which allows plaque and tartar

to multiply.

Chronic use of these products

can also deplete a person’s

vitamin C levels and interfere

with healing of the gums.

GENETICS

Occasionally, a person will present

with gum disease despite perfect

oral health and hygiene.

Sometimes, this is due to a

genetic disposition.

Those who know that gum disease

is a part of their family history can

have genetic testing done to

determine their risk.

STRESS

Prolonged stress is a risk factor for many chronic

illnesses and it can also contribute to gum disease.

This could be due to a person slacking off on their oral

hygiene routine due to a lack of motivation or time.

However, stress also disrupts the immune system and

can make it harder to fight off gum infections.

MEDICATIONS

There are several commonly prescribed medications

that can contribute to the development of gum disease.

For example, oral contraceptives can create hormonal

fluctuations that affect the blood flow to the gums.

Other medications can lead to dry mouth or abnormal

bleeding from the gums.

Therefore, it is important for you to keep your dentist

informed about any medications you currently take.

TEETH GRINDING AND CLENCHING

When you grind or clench your teeth, higher

than normal forces are applied to your gums

and their supporting ligaments.

Over time the periodontal tissues can be

destroyed thereby making them more

susceptible to infection.

INFLAMMATORY DISEASES

If you have a systemic

disease that causes

inflammation within your

body, then it could also

lead to gum inflammation

and infection.

Talk to your dentist if you have

diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis

or heart disease so that they

can help you take measures to

prevent gum disease.

POOR NUTRITION

Your gums need vital nutrients

and minerals to stay healthy,

just like the rest of your body.

When you are malnourished,

you are less capable of

fighting off infections.

Fresh fruits and vegetables

also help to keep the gums

healthy by gently brushing

away plaque and encouraging

blood flow.

Gum disease is commonly found during

a routine dental exam.

You should remember that it often shows

no symptoms until it has progressed to the

later stages.

While good home care, such as regular brushing and

flossing, will help to prevent gum disease, it is also

important to talk to your dentist about your risk factors.

This way, you can partner with your dentist to develop a

multi-factor approach that will prevent gum disease

before it affects your health.

If you are seeking professional dental advice,

it's time to call Shumway Dental Care.

Their Chandler dentists will ask you questions,

examine you, and determine exactly what needs to be

done to get you back to normal.

Call today for an appointment.

Visit http://www.mychandlerdentists.com/

SHUMWAY DENTAL CARE

3150 S Gilbert Rd Suite 1

Chandler, AZ 85286

(480) 659-7800

shumwaydentalcare@gmail.com