Assess Your Risk for Gum Disease

As I have mentioned in previous blogs, gum disease also known as periodontal disease has many different risk factors.  Today I am going to mention the different risk factors in gum disease.  When reading over them, take note of how many categories you place yourself in.  If you place yourself in any of these assessments, please notify my Inland Empire Biological and Cosmetic dental office

(951)686-3666.

Do Any of the Following apply to you?

• Age:  Studies indicate that that the older population has the highest rates of periodontal disease.
• Genes:  Are you male or female?  While women typically maintain better oral health, women’s hormones fluctuate over the years which can affect gum tissue.
• Loose Teeth:  The bacterial infection associated with gum disease causes a destruction in the tissue fibers and bone that surround the teeth.
• Bleeding Gums:  Bleeding is the only true indicator of the infection of periodontal disease in the mouth.
• Gum Recession:  Do you look long in the tooth?  Tissue pulling away from the tooth is a typical sign of periodontal disease.
• Smoke or Use Chewing Tobacco:  Studies show that any use of tobacco products increase one’s risk of periodontal disease by 80%.