Gum Disease: Other Risks and Causes

In an effort to keep our great community of Jackson aware of the dangers when it comes to gum disease, lets take a look at a few of the other factors that could increase your risk of periodontal disease:

1. Diabetes:  A link between gum disease and diabetes has been found in studies.
2. Poor oral habits:  Poor care of teeth and gums can play a large role in developing periodontal disease. 
3. Heredity:  Genetics can play a role in the likelihood of gum disease.  If you have a family history of gum disease you should have regular visits to try and get ahead of it.
4. Hormonal Changes:   Hormonal changes could be factors in developing gum disease due to pregnancy or menopause.
5. Medications- They can be a contributor.
6. Age: Age can also plays a role in developing this disease.

Keep in ming it’s not just the above factors that can increase your risk of periodontal disease but these as well:

• substance abuse
• tobacco use
• poor fitting dental work
• bite changes
• poor nutrition

Of course, prevention is still the best way to avoid periodontitis, even with all of the risk factors involved.  Please, see your dentist regularly. 

If you think you may have gum disease, we can help.  Contact us today to set up a screening or if have any additional questions or concerns about your oral health! 

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