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Discover the Risk Factors and Potential Consequences of Gum Diseases in Adults

June 16, 2021

Discover the Risk Factors and Potential Consequences of Gum Diseases in Adults

Anyone can develop gum disease. In fact, more than half of the adult population of the United States has some form of gum disease. However, there are certain risk factors that can increase a person’s likelihood of developing gum disease. Keep reading to learn what they are and learn why gum disease is so serious. Then contact California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161 for a dental cleaning and exam.

Risk Factors for Gum Disease

Gingivitis is actually a form of gum disease, but it is a very big risk factor of developing more serious gum disease. The good news is that it can be treated with a deep cleaning and better oral health care. In fact, poor oral health care habits are one of the biggest risk factors for gum disease, so it is important to make sure that you are taking all the steps you can do at home to reduce your risk.

Other common risk factors of gum disease include:

  • Smoking tobacco
  • Chewing tobacco
  • Pregnancy
  • Menopause
  • Recreational drug use
  • Obesity
  • Certain medications that have dry mouth as a side effect
  • Medical issues that decrease the immune system
  • Genetics
  • Inadequate nutrition
  • A lack of Vitamin C
  • Diabetes
  • Arthritis
  • Chron’s disease

If you have just one of these risk factors, you could be at a slightly increased risk of gum disease, but if you fall into several of these categories, then you could have serious issues in your future.

Potential Consequences of Gum Disease

If you let gum disease go long enough, it can eventually lead to bone loss and gum disease. The bacteria that causes this disease can get into your bloodstream through your gum tissue and have a negative, serious impact on your overall health. For example, severe gum disease is linked with coronary heart disease, respiratory disease, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis.

You Can Prevent Gum Disease

Even if you have every one of the consequences of gum disease, you are not pre-destined to develop it. You can take steps to prevent it, starting with improving your at-home oral health care. By brushing and flossing regularly, you will be taking a big step toward preventing this disease. Visiting your dentist twice yearly for professional cleaning is another essential step.

Gum Disease Can Be Treated

If you do develop gum disease, if we catch it while you are still in the gingivitis stage, treatment could be as simple as you brushing and flossing more regularly. If it has advanced, then we can take steps depending on how much it has advanced. The key is to contact California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161 as soon as possible.

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