Why Are Some More Prone to Periodontal Disease?
Do you remember when there were commercials discussing the horrors of gingivitis? If you have, you’ll remember how those were terrifying to many and made people hope they never fell victim to such a tragic fate. Well, there is a good reason for that. Periodontal disease can be painful, uncomfortable and unattractive, and nearly 50% of Americans over 30 experience it in one way or another. Some people are more susceptible than others, but why?
What is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is any disease that affects the gums and the supporting structures of the teeth. The initial inflammation of the gums is the dreaded gingivitis that we have all heard of, and it can get progressively worse from there. The leading cause is a build-up of bacteria in your mouth that eventually causes irritation and infection of the tissues and bones in your mouth. Several signs indicate you could be suffering from periodontal disease as well. These include:
- Tender or bleeding gums
- Continuous bad breath
- Painful chewing
- Loose teeth
- Gums pulling away from teeth
Suppose you are experiencing any of these symptoms. In that case, it is a good idea to make an appointment where a professional can see what is happening before it worsens.
Risk Factors For Periodontal Disease
Some people are at higher risk of suffering from periodontal disease than others for various reasons. These can be something that you receive through your inherited genes, or they can be related to a lifestyle choice. Either way, it is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. So, whether you choose something that brings you additional risk or has a family history, knowing what increases chances will help you in the long run.
Lifestyle
There are several things that you can make an effort to avoid if you are worried about periodontal disease. These things are:
- Smoking
- Poor oral hygiene
- Missed cleanings or check-ups
- Stress
- Poor diet
Smoking often causes periodontal disease and tobacco use in any form. Another leading factor is poor oral hygiene. Skipping the toothbrush is a bad idea.
Biological
Things that you would consider biological causes of tooth and gum disease are the things that you don’t have any control over. A big one here is age. The older you get, the more likely it becomes that you will develop some form of periodontal disease. Other factors will include:
- Genetics
- An auto-immune disease
- Heart disease
- Obesity
- Grinding or clenching your teeth
- Medications used to treat pre-existing conditions
Any of these factors can lead to an uncomfortable mouth. Following any reasonable steps to prevent periodontal disease will help you avoid it.
Prevention
Prevention is the best cure. That is true when it comes to gum disease as well as anything else. So, things like going to the dentist or periodontal specialist when you see any signs of infection, brushing and flossing daily and avoiding risky lifestyle choices will help you to minimize the risk of becoming another statistic.
Prevention focuses on the removal of bad bacteria from the teeth and gums before it builds up to toxic levels, meaning that brushing and flossing twice daily is genuinely the best way to keep your pearly whites, well, pearly and white. That and regularly scheduled checks and cleanings: once a year is a safe bet.
When to See a Specialist
Knowing when to see a dentist or periodontal specialist can be tricky or offputting. It would be best if you tried to look at the first signs or symptoms you notice for the best chance to prevent them from worsening.
When you need the services of an experienced, gentle practitioner, contact Coastal Periodontics, and they can get you what you need to remedy your pearly whites.
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