Are you aware of the risk factors for gum disease? Gum disease often occurs when infections of your gum tissues take place. In order to keep your smile safe, it is important to limit the effects of gum disease and have it treated as soon as possible. Furthermore, establish an effective gum disease prevention plan by eliminating risk factors for the illness.
In order to minimize your risk for gum disease, it is important to understand the risk factors for gum disease. Unfortunately, some risk factors for gum disease are not easily preventable. This includes genetic predispositions, hormonal changes in the body, pregnancy, and the presence of diabetes. However, as long as you know if you’re at risk, you can help plan accordingly.
There are other risk factors that you can have an influence over. This includes exercising caution when taking medications that produce dry mouth as a side effect. Dry mouth is a known risk factor for gum disease. In addition, a poor diet lacking proper nutrition and unhealthy oral health care cleaning techniques can contribute to gum disease. You’re also at a greater risk for gum disease if you do not visit your dentist for a regular oral checkup. Unhealthy habits such as smoking or chewing tobacco, frequent drug use, and drinking heavy alcohol is also linked to a rise in gum disease.
If you would like more information about gum disease or if would like to schedule an appointment with Lifetime Dentistry, you can call us at 563-263-9082. Dr. Holly Krystek and our entire team here at our dentist office in Muscatine, Iowa, look forward to seeing you.