Are you at risk for gum disease

2. ARE YOU AT RISK FOR
GUM DISEASE?

3. Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease,
is a serious concern for your oral health.

4. Not only can untreated gum disease cause you to
lose your teeth early, but it has also been listed
as a risk factor for serious conditions such as
premature childbirth and heart disease.

5. Fortunately, most cases of gum disease can be prevented
and treated with early detection and education.

6. Here, are the lifestyle factors and behaviors that increase
your risk for developing gum disease.

7. AGE

8. Although severe cases of
gum disease have been
found in children, it is
important to know that it
is a progressive disease.

9. For this reason, a person’s
risk increases with age
and most adults over the
age of 65 have some form
of periodontitis.

10. TOBACCO AND
ALCOHOL USE

11. Tobacco and alcohol both
reduce blood flow to the gums
and can cause dry mouth,
which allows plaque and tartar
to multiply.

12. Chronic use of these products
can also deplete a person’s
vitamin C levels and interfere
with healing of the gums.

13. GENETICS

14. Occasionally, a person will present
with gum disease despite perfect
oral health and hygiene.

15. Sometimes, this is due to a
genetic disposition.

16. Those who know that gum disease
is a part of their family history can
have genetic testing done to
determine their risk.

17. STRESS

18. Prolonged stress is a risk factor for many chronic
illnesses and it can also contribute to gum disease.

19. This could be due to a person slacking off on their oral
hygiene routine due to a lack of motivation or time.

20. However, stress also disrupts the immune system and
can make it harder to fight off gum infections.

21. MEDICATIONS

22. There are several commonly prescribed medications
that can contribute to the development of gum disease.

23. For example, oral contraceptives can create hormonal
fluctuations that affect the blood flow to the gums.

24. Other medications can lead to dry mouth or abnormal
bleeding from the gums.

25. Therefore, it is important for you to keep your dentist
informed about any medications you currently take.

26. TEETH GRINDING
AND CLENCHING

27. When you grind or clench your teeth, higher
than normal forces are applied to your gums
and their supporting ligaments.

28. Over time the periodontal tissues can be
destroyed thereby making them more
susceptible to infection.

29. INFLAMMATORY
DISEASES

30. If you have a systemic
disease that causes
inflammation within your
body, then it could also
lead to gum inflammation
and infection.

31. Talk to your dentist if you have
diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis
or heart disease so that they
can help you take measures to
prevent gum disease.

32. POOR NUTRITION

33. Your gums need vital nutrients
and minerals to stay healthy,
just like the rest of your body.

34. When you are malnourished,
you are less capable of
fighting off infections.

35. Fresh fruits and vegetables
also help to keep the gums
healthy by gently brushing
away plaque and encouraging
blood flow.

36. Gum disease is commonly found during
a routine dental exam.

37. You should remember that it often shows
no symptoms until it has progressed to the
later stages.

38. While good home care, such as regular brushing and
flossing, will help to prevent gum disease, it is also
important to talk to your dentist about your risk factors.

39. This way, you can partner with your dentist to develop a
multi-factor approach that will prevent gum disease
before it affects your health.

40. If you are seeking professional dental advice,
it's time to call Shumway Dental Care.

41. Their Chandler dentists will ask you questions,
examine you, and determine exactly what needs to be
done to get you back to normal.

42. Call today for an appointment.
Visit http://www.mychandlerdentists.com/

43. SHUMWAY DENTAL CARE
3150 S Gilbert Rd Suite 1
Chandler, AZ 85286
(480) 659-7800
shumwaydentalcare@gmail.com