Risk Factors for Gum Disease

December 14, 2017

If you think that gum disease only affects the elderly, you are mistaken. Though age can contribute to the likelihood that you will develop gum disease, it is not, by far, the only factor. Gum disease is a common condition that can appear at any time of life. It begins as an infection of the periodontal tissue, caused by the bacteria that live in the plaque on your teeth. While the best way to combat gum disease is a proper oral hygiene routine of brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings, there are factors that can increase your risk of infection and bleeding gums in Catonsville, MD.

5 Factors for Gum Disease That You Should Know

1. Genetics: You may be more susceptible to gum disease than someone else, due to your family’s history with periodontal infection. There are oral DNA tests that can be performed to identify a predisposal to gum disease causing bacteria.
2. Medications: Certain types of prescription drugs can make you more likely to experience gum disease. Blood thinners can cause bleeding gums and many medications can result in dry mouth, restricting your ability to produce the saliva that would naturally rinse bacteria from your mouth.
3. Smoking: Any sort of tobacco use will increase the likelihood of gum disease. Smoking inflames your gum tissue and dries out your mouth, two factors that can make you more susceptible to infection.
4. Stress: Increased anxiety or stress has been shown to exacerbate many systemic illnesses, such as heart disease or stroke. Stress depresses your immune system, making it easier to succumb to illness.
5. Inflammation: Having irritated tissue in your body is taxing, and much like stress, can affect any other existing issue. This can lead to periodontal infection but also cause it, as gum disease can result from chronic inflammation.

You can save your smile and your overall wellness by identifying your risks of gum disease. If you already have bleeding gums in Catonsville, MD, schedule a consultation with Dr. Moskowitz. We offer several services to treat periodontal infection and restore your healthy, beautiful smile.

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