ARE YOU AT RISK OF GUM DISEASE?

Statistics have revealed that 3 out of 4 adults above the age of 35 will experience some form of gum disease. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss for adults in the United Kingdom. If this condition is diagnosed early, this disease can be easily treated as well as completely reversed.

At a staggering 90 per cent of the population who will be diagnosed with this disease within a lifetime, some individuals have a higher risk of developing this condition than others. There are many factors which can make an individual more prone to developing gum disease, from lifestyle to biology. Here is an insight into the most common factors, which could affect you!

[idea] Gum Disease is an inflammation of the gums. This is caused by bacteria found in plaque, which over time coat teeth. If oral health is not maintained this disease will infect the gum tissue as well as bone supporting and surrounding the teeth. Learn more about Gum Disease.[/idea]

SMOKING

Tobacco use can double your risk of developing gum disease. Smoking as well as smokeless tobacco products slow down nutrition, blood and oxygen to oral tissue. This promotes the growth of bacterial plaque, increasing your risk of gum disease. Furthermore, smoking will slow down healing, making the teeth and gums more prone to infection. More about smoking and how this affects your oral health.

SEX OR GENDER

Its biology! Women are more at risk to developing gum disease than men. This is due to the hormonal fluctuations such as puberty and the menopause that women experience. Puberty for example will cause an increase of blood to the gums, which will make gums more prone to inflammation from plaque and bacteria. Any hormone changes to women will affect their periodontal health including contraceptives.

PREGNANCY

When women are pregnant they will go through intense hormonal fluctuations. As stated above, any hormone changes in women will affect their periodontal health. Pregnancy does not cause gum disease however pregnancy will increase the gums sensitivity and or aggravate a mild pre-existing condition.

DIABETES

People with diabetes have a lower resistance to infection including their susceptibility to gum disease. Those with diabetes are in fact likely to develop gum disease overtime indefinitely; regular dentistry check ups are an essential. If any sores or inflammation to the gums are present, antibiotic treatment as well as professional cleaning may be necessary. Find out more about Diabetes and oral health.

STRESS AND ANXIETY

Fight or flight? Those who suffer from stress and anxiety may be more prone to gum disease. Research has suggested that anxiety can have adverse effects on the immune system; this is because anxiety is a prolonged stress on the body releasing the hormone cortisol. Cortisol is a hormone, which affects many aspects of the body including metabolism, glucose levels, blood pressure and much more. What is paramount is the effect this will, in turn, have to your immune system. Prolonged stress to the body will have adverse affects on your immune system, raising your risk of gum disease. There is a lot of free help for stress and anxiety, check out the  NHS 10 stress busters.

STROKE

Those who have suffered a stroke may experience many changes to their bodies during recovery, this can be physical as well as emotional. Dependable to each individual case, the effects of a stroke may have lasting health implications. Research has determined that those who have suffered a stroke are at a higher risk of developing gum disease.

IMMUNE SYSTEM

With a weaker immune system, your body is more susceptible to diseases. This could be due to many different reasons from dietary deficiencies to medical treatments such as chemotherapy. A weaker immune system means that your risk of gum disease is greater, therefore regular dental check-ups are advisable .

MEDICATION

Lots of medications have side effects. It is important to advise your dentist of any medications that you are taking as this could affect your oral health. Medication can reduce saliva flow, increasing bacteria in the mouth which increases the risk of gum disease. Other medications such as antihypertensive (taken for high blood pressure) for example, can lead to other periodontal complications such as abnormal gum tissue development.

TEETH GRINDING

Over time clenching, gritting or grinding of the teeth will create an excessive force on teeth. This will cause the periodontal ligament and bone to deteriorate. Eventually, this will cause inflammation and gum disease. If you are aware that you may have this habit, a dentist will be able to make a custom retainer or mouth guard to reduce pressure and harm. Book Now!

Information provided to you by the Brighton Implant clinic & advanced dentistry.

The Brighton Implant Clinic was established in 2009, Hove, East Sussex. The award – winning clinic now spans over four sites in Hove,  Brighton, Worthing, and Hailsham. Founder and principal dentist Dr Bruno Silva has created a clinic with state of the art facilities and equipment including its own dental laboratory. We provide personalised and affordable dental care, including dental implants and cosmetic dentistry solutions, with additional services such as sedative dentistry. Dr Silva advocates continuous professional development and this is why he has a highly skilled team of dentist, surgeons, and dental nurses. Our welcoming and professional team believe smiling is fundamental, find out how this could change you.