Who is at Risk for Gum Disease?

You’ve likely heard of gum disease or periodontal disease, which is the formal name for the same condition. Since you’re here reading this, likely you’re concerned about either having this disease or knowing someone who might.

We at Gardena Dental Care exist for the sole purpose of helping to care for your teeth and gums, to ensure you have a healthy, happy smile. So, before we look at the risk factors of periodontitis, it’s important to understand what the disease is, how it affects the teeth and gums and how it is treated.

What Is Periodontitis?

Periodontitis, gum disease and periodontal disease are all the same thing. This disease refers to an infection and inflammation of the gums, bones or ligaments surrounding your teeth. This disease can cause the tissue of your gums to pull away from the tooth, which leads to gum recession, loose teeth, bone loss and eventual tooth loss.

Periodontal disease begins as an infection that damages the soft tissue of your gums and without proper treatment can destroy the bone that supports your teeth. It can cause your teeth to loosen or fall out. Thankfully, gum disease is largely preventable and easily treatable in most cases if caught early on.

What are the Symptoms of Gum Disease?

It’s not always easy to tell if you may have gum disease. Initially, though, if you look at your gums, they should be firm and pale pink and tightly fitting against your teeth.

If you have any of these symptoms, you may have gum disease.

• Swollen, puffy gums
• Gums that are tender to the touch
• Bright red or purplish gums
• Gums that bleed easily
• Persistent bad breath
• Pink tinge on your toothbrush after brushing
• Blood that comes from brushing or flossing
• Pus between your teeth and gums
• Painful chewing
• Gums that recede away from your teeth
• Teeth that look longer than they used to
• Spaces developing between your teeth
• Loose teeth
• Loss of teeth unaccounted for by injury
• A change in the way your teeth feel when you bite or chew

If you develop any of these symptoms, you should schedule your next dentist visit sooner than later. We may be able to help prevent the development of gum disease or treat it more immediately to prevent more severe oral health concerns.

What are the Primary Causes of Gum Disease?

Typically, gum disease starts with the building up of plaque. Plaque is the sticky film that forms on your teeth and gums and is mainly made up of bacteria. If the plaque is not cleaned away properly, it will lead to gum disease.

What are the Risk Factors for Gum Disease?

There are a range of risk factors which can contribute to your likelihood of developing gum disease. If you have any of these risk factors, it’s important to discuss them with your dentist to better prevent or treat your condition.

Is Age a Risk Factor for Gum Disease?

Folks in older age ranges (65+) are at the highest risk for developing gum disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 70 percent of Americans over 65 years of age have some form of gum disease. It should be noted, though, that 40 percent of adults 30+ also have some form of gum disease.

Am I At Higher Risk if I Smoke or Chew Tobacco?

Patients who use tobacco products, whether smoking or chewing, are more likely to develop a number of diseases, including cancer of the mouth and nose, lung disease, heart disease and gum disease. Tobacco use may actually be the highest risk factor for periodontitis in adults.

Do Genetics Affect My Risk for Gum Disease?

As with most diseases, genetics may well play a part in the development of gum disease. Many folks who faithfully care for their teeth properly may still develop gum disease, due to their genetic susceptibility. This is another reason it’s so important to have an exam at the first sign of the disease.

Can Stress Increase My Risk for Gum Disease?

Stress may be the cause for many serious conditions of the body, including hypertension, cancer and gum disease. Research indicates this is likely because stress makes it more difficult for the body to fight off infection and diseases.

Can Medications Make Me Susceptible to Gum Disease?

Some medications, including antidepressants, oral contraceptives and certain heart medications, may affect your oral health, including making you more prone to gum disease. Be sure to keep your dentist or periodontist informed of the medications you’re taking and any changes that are made to your regimen.

Does Teeth Grinding Cause Periodontitis?

Clenching and grinding your teeth causes excess force that puts pressure on the supporting tissues of your teeth and gums. It won’t cause periodontitis, but it may speed up the rate at which you develop the disease because of the damage caused.

Can My Nutrition Impact My Risk for Periodontal Disease?

Both poor nutrition and obesity can impact your body’s ability to ward off infection. Neither will cause gum disease, but because of the lower immunity, it could speed up the process and worsen the infection faster than if you were eating properly.

What are the Additional Risk Factors for Gum Disease?

There are other factors, as well, which may lead to gum disease.

• Poor oral health habits
• Hormonal changes, especially those due to pregnancy or menopause
• Recreational drug use, such as vaping or smoking marijuana
• Other systemic conditions, such as diabetes, Crohn's disease and rheumatoid arthritis

Call us at Gardena Dental Care at (424) 295-7885 to schedule a consultation today to ensure you maintain that healthy smile!