Gum or periodontal disease results from a lack of dental care among other unhealthy habits. It follows gingivitis, a condition where the gums bleed and become red and inflamed due to plaque and tartar buildup. Severe gum disease causes the gums to recede and become infected. If it is left untreated, the tissue and bone supporting the teeth eventually break down. Below are a few risk factors so you can make changes to protect your smile. 

Top 3 Risk Factors for Gum Disease

1. Poor Oral Hygiene

Lack of dental care dramatically increases your gum disease risk. In addition to brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes with a soft-bristled brush, you must floss once a day. Brushing and flossing rid the mouth of food particles and plaque to reduce tartar buildup. Tartar is the hardened form of plaque only your dentist can remove.

Proper dental care also includes visiting your local dentist office twice a year for deep teeth cleanings and checkups. If you exhibit any symptoms of gingivitis or gum disease, your dentist will recommend a dental care regimen that may include antibacterial mouthwash.

2. Tobacco Use

Smoking cigarettes and using chewing tobacco or snuff heightens your periodontal disease risk because it depresses your immune system. This makes it harder for your body to fight gum infections and heal quickly. Cigarette smoke and other tobacco products also irritate your gums and increase their susceptibility to inflammation and bleeding. Dental care experts continually emphasize the importance of quitting tobacco to patients to maintain their oral as well as overall health.

3. Assorted Illnesses & Conditions

Numerous health conditions contribute to gum disease development because they increase the risk of infection. This includes diabetes and HIV/AIDS, as well as systemic diseases that affect the body’s inflammatory system such as cardiovascular disease and rheumatoid arthritis. If you have any of these diseases or conditions, maintaining a dental care regimen and healthy lifestyle is imperative, especially if you take medications that cause side effects such as dry mouth. If the mouth does not produce enough saliva, it cannot wash away food particles and plaque as effectively.

Maintain a healthy dental care regimen and lower your risk of gum disease by working with Lowitz & Meier. The Cincinnati, OH-based family dentistry center offers the highest quality care in a welcoming environment, including services such as digital X-rays and onsite crown fabrication. Call (513) 521-8900 to schedule an appointment or visit the dentist office online for more information. Like the family dentistry facility on Facebook for additional dental care tips.