Red Flags Behind Gum Disease: What Are the Common Risk Factors?

Minimizing plaque and tartar around your gumline is crucial, especially since it can lead to an infection that affects more than just your mouth. While there are many things you can do to lower your chances of developing gum disease, there are certain risks you may be unaware of and need to watch out for.

What Can Increase Your Risk of Developing Gum Disease?

Although there are factors that may be out of your control, it’s best to know what can lead to gum disease so that you can minimize your chance of developing serious oral and overall health problems. Some of the most common include:

• Your age: Generally, adults who are 65 years of age and older are most likely to develop gum disease.
• Lifestyle Habits: Specifically, if you smoke or use other tobacco products, you are not only at risk of gum disease but also lung disease, cancer, heart disease, and more.
• Genetics: If your family members suffer(ed) from gum disease, there’s a greater chance that you will also.
• Certain Medications: Oral birth control pills, anti-depressants, heart medications, and others can impact your oral health, especially your gums.
• Stress: Whether it’s work-related or personal, stress can lead to serious health problems, including cancer, hypertension, and gum disease.
• Obesity: If you are obese, your immune system will struggle to fight off an infection, which can lead to gum disease. You may also develop diabetes, which can make it harder to maintain good gum health.

What Can You Do to Lower Your Risk?

Most patients know that taking proper care of their teeth and gums through at-home oral hygiene is one of the best ways to prevent gum disease. However, there are other ways to minimize the potential risks mentioned above:

• Find ways to reduce your stress through exercise, reading a book, talking to a counselor, meditation, etc.
• Seek cessation resources to help you quit smoking.
• Maintain a healthy diet to lose weight and keep it off.
• Talk to your doctor about your medications to see if they can be adjusted to avoid the potential for gum disease.
• Stay on top of your regular six-month dental checkups and cleanings, no matter your age.

Gum disease doesn’t have to be a reality just because you’re older, your family has it, or you feel stressed out. By taking appropriate steps and keeping your dentist informed, you can make sure your oral and overall health remain in the best possible shape.

About the Dentist
Dr. Neelima Ravi is a general dentist with over a decade of experience. After earning her dental degree in 2005, she earned a Fellowship award with the Academy of General Dentistry in June 2021, an accomplishment only six percent of dentists in the U.S. and Canada have achieved. She is pleased to help patients improve their gum health with innovative solutions to target harmful bacteria. If you are concerned that you may be at risk for gum disease, contact us at (603) 926-1551 to schedule an appointment.