Are You at Risk for Gum Disease Without Knowing It?

There are many diseases that fall into the category of “silent killers”, including celiac disease, osteoporosis, colon cancer, and even diabetes. What this essentially means is these and many other conditions can be present in the body without you even realizing it, largely because they don’t carry many symptoms. While gum disease may not be necessarily lethal, it can be devastating to your oral and overall health.

If you are unaware of the risk factors associated with gum disease, you could be more likely to develop it and even have symptoms without your knowledge. At Blue Coast Dental, we want to make sure that you are fully informed on these risk factors, why those who have them are at higher risk, and why visiting a periodontist can make all the difference. In our first newsletter of 2020, we hope you take a moment to inform and protect yourself as well as schedule a visit at our office soon!

Tobacco may be linked to heart disease, lung disease, and cancer, but it also affects your gum tissue. If you use tobacco, you are at a much higher risk of developing periodontal (gum) disease. Studies have shown tobacco use to be one of the most significant risk factors when it comes to the development and progression of gum disease. This is mainly because tobacco contains many harmful ingredients that attack sensitive oral tissues.

Furthermore, oral contraceptives, anti-depressants, and some heart medicines can affect your oral health. Some of these medications can cause dry mouth, putting you at higher risk of developing gum disease. Make sure that you have all medications updated at our office every time you visit.

A diet low in nutrients negatively affects the body’s immune system, making it less effective at fighting infections like gum disease. If you are obese, it may also increase your risk of periodontal disease. Finally, if you already have cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or rheumatoid arthritis, your body may experience increased inflammation, putting you at higher risk as well.