May 23, 2019
Gum disease is inflammatory and affects tissues surrounding and supporting your teeth. It is also one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults. You may not have experienced gum disease as of yet, but here are some factors that put you at risk.
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Smoking/using tobacco products. This “hobby” is one of the most significant factors that lead to the development of gum disease. According to the CDC, smokers have twice the risk of developing gum disease compared to non-smokers. The more you smoke and the longer you smoke, the greater that risk becomes. This isn’t just for cigarette smokers; this also applies to users of pipes and smokeless tobacco.
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Those with diabetes are at a high risk of developing infections for many diseases, including gum disease.
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Hormonal changes. In females, hormonal changes can make gums more sensitive and more prone to develop gum disease. Various other illnesses and treatments. Illnesses such as AIDS, including its treatment forms, can negatively impact the health of your gums, so can cancer treatments.
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Certain medications. There are many prescription and over-the-counter meds that can reduce the flow of saliva, which helps protect the mouth. With a reduced amount of saliva, the mouth can easily fall victim to infections, including gum disease. Certain meds can also create an abnormal overgrowth of gum tissue, which makes cleaning teeth and gums more difficult than usual.