Gum disease is an insidious little menace that starts out small before blooming into a destructive infection that causes permanent damage to your gums, teeth, and jaw. It begins as gingivitis, and while this infection can usually be reversed with improved oral hygiene, it often goes unnoticed for far too long. Here’s a quick overview of a few gum disease risk factors along with a few measures you can take to help keep your mouth infection-free.
Gums Can Deteriorate with Age
The risk of gum disease increases with age for a variety of reasons. While this can be the result of decades of bad habits such as poor diet, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption, it can also arise from oral hygiene difficulties caused by mobility issues, arthritis, or depression. In some cases, using certain medications can increase a person’s risk of gum disease. In addition to improving eating and oral hygiene habits, a person having difficulty with cleaning their teeth may want to invest in an electric toothbrush or a water flosser to make gum care easier.
Smoking Is Horrible for Your Oral Health
Smoking or any other form of tobacco use is one of the worst things you can do for your gums. While the smoke or chewed leaves have the unfortunate side effect of leaving unsightly brown or yellow deposits on your teeth, nicotine also causes your blood vessels to constrict. This makes it harder for your gums to receive adequate blood flow so they can heal properly and fight infections. To make matters worse, the gums harden to protect themselves from the noxious smoke or tobacco juice, and doing this frequently over time can cause them to permanently recede.
Poor Nutrition Hurts Your Gums
The body needs an adequate intake of protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals to stay healthy, and a poor diet can have negative consequences for your oral health. While it’s important to consume plenty of nutritious foods, excessive sugar consumption can have particularly devastating results for your gums. The residue sugary items like soda and candy leave behind feed the harmful oral bacteria that cause gum disease, allowing them to multiply rapidly and cause infections.
While gum disease is a bothersome menace, it can usually be prevented with proper oral hygiene and smart eating habits. It’s equally important to keep up with your regular visits to your dentist so your gums can receive professional care and cleaning.
About the Author
Dr. Beverly Rose earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine at the University of Florida College of Dentistry and stays abreast of the latest developments in her field by participating in professional organizations such as the American Dental Association. Her office in Melbourne, FL, offers general, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry as well as gum disease treatment. To book your next dental appointment, contact her office online or dial (321) 259-4666.