Periodontal disease is a serious condition that affects far too many people in the US. According to the Centers for Disease Control, approximately 46% of US adults (or 65 million people) are affected. The primary cause of gum disease is plaque buildup (bacterial deposits) which is usually the result of insufficient or improper oral hygiene. But other factors are at play, too. Knowing what the risk factors of periodontal (gum) disease are can help you determine whether or not you need to be more vigilant about preventive care to keep your teeth and gums healthy for a lifetime.
#1: Smoking or Tobacco Use
Smoking/tobacco use appears to be the single most destructive environmental factors in the initiation and progression periodontal disease. Smoking changes the bacterial composition in your mouth, creating a more harmful bacteria which destroys gum and bone cells. Smoking interferes with your body’s natural response to fight infections and bacteria. It reduces blood flow to the gums and also makes it more difficult for your mouth to heal after infection develops. Smoking and tobacco are linked to a number of other health conditions, like lung disease, cardiovascular disease, and mouth cancer.
#2: Age
People who are over the age of 65 are more likely to develop gum and bone disease. Many studies point to a correlation between age and increased risk of gum and bone disease. As many as 75% of seniors have periodontal disease, which also increases the risk of tooth loss. This makes daily life tasks difficult such as eating, speaking.
#3: Medications
According to the Mayo Clinic, nearly 70% of Americans take at least one prescription drug. These drugs have an effect within the mouth, such as dry mouth (xerostomia) or gum irritation. This dry mouth can lead to cavities. But not many know that other prescription drugs can have a more harmful effect on the bone and gums within the mouth. Corticosteroids (very similar to the body’s natural production of the hormone cortisol) can have a harmful effect on the gums by suppressing the body’s natural defense mechanisms. Immunosuppressant drugs, like those used in organ transplant patients, can cause bleeding gums, ulcerations and periodontal disease. Other medications may cause excessive growth of the gums, making patients very concerned with the shape and size of their teeth. Anticonvulsants drugs to treat seizures, and sometimes mood disorders, can cause your gums to grow larger and bleed. Some medications to manage patient’s cardiovascular conditions may also cause enlargement to the gum tissues. The medication you take to treat a problem may also have an unwanted side effect that may make daily brushing and flossing difficult. Talk to your dentist about any medications you are taking to help them better understand your oral health needs.
#4: Genetics
Just like some people get cavities more frequently than others despite sufficient oral hygiene practices, some people are just at a higher risk of periodontal disease due to genetic factors. If you have a family history of tooth loss and also tend to have one cavity a year despite brushing and flossing regularly, you may be at a higher genetic risk of getting periodontal disease.
#5: Poor Nutrition
People who do not eat a well-balanced, nutritious, low-sugar diet, high processed diet (fast food, frozen meals, etc.) are at a higher risk of gum and bone disease. Your body needs a variety of nutrients to stay healthy and fight off infection. Once the condition develops, it is harder for the body to fight back without the necessary infection-fighting resources.
#6: Stress Levels
Stress causes a number of issues with overall health, including high blood pressure. It can also affect your oral health. People who are frequently stressed are more likely to grind their teeth at night, which increases the risk of gum disease. And because stress affects the body’s ability to heal, it is more difficult to fight back against gum disease.
About the Author
Dr. Zachary Carnow is a board certified periodontist with extensive training in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of gum and bone disease. To learn more about your risk or how periodontal disease is treated, you are invited to contact the “periodontist near me” you’re searching for at 214-619-4990.