Are You At Risk For Gum Disease?
Anyone can get gum disease. However, there are some things that can actually raise your risk of getting gum disease.
Here is a quick look at some of those risk factors:
- Not taking care of your teeth and gums. You should brush your teeth twice a day, every day, for two minutes each time. Don’t forget to clean between your teeth every day.
- Tobacco use can increase your risk of getting gum disease. You are much more likely to have gum disease if you smoke chew or dip tobacco.
- Some diseases that affect the whole body can also raise your risk for gum disease. Those diseases include, but are not limited to, diabetes and HIV infections. Those diseases lower your body’s resistance to infection such as gum disease.
- Some medications you might be taking could up your risk for gum disease. Medications include those to treat blood pressure or medications that have steroids. A common side effect is dry mouth. This can increase your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Tell your dentist about the medications you take and any changes in your health.
- Teens, pregnant women and those taking birth control pills (people who have changes in hormone levels) may be at a higher risk for getting gum disease. These changes can cause gums to become more sensitive to plaque bacteria.
- Your genes may put you at a higher risk. If your parents wear dentures or you have a family history of tooth loss, be extra alert for changes to your gums. Bacteria that cause gum disease may be passed from parents to children and between partners through saliva
