Risk Factors for Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is an infection that affects your tissues and bone that support your teeth. When you have periodontal disease, your gum tissue will pull back from your tooth. It may progress to the tissue and bone that support the tooth being destroyed. Teeth can fall out, or need to be removed. The good news is that periodontal disease can be prevented if detected in its early stages.

Factors That Can Increase Your risk of Developing Gum Disease

There are certain factors that can increase your risk of developing periodontal disease. Here are some risk factors for periodontal disease

• Certain medications such as steroid medication, cancer therapy drugs, blood pressure drugs, anti-seizure drugs, and birth control pills can affect your gums. Some of these medications can reduce your saliva and this can result in dry mouth.
• Changes in your body’s hormone levels through teenage years, pregnant women and birth control pill usage can change your hormone levels and cause you to be more susceptible.
• Diseases such as blood cell disorders, HIV infections, diabetes, and AIDS can lower your resistance to infection.
• Family history and your genes can play a part in having a higher risk for periodontal disease.
• Some research has led us to believe that bacteria that cause periodontal disease can be passed through saliva.

While all of this information can seem scary, Noble Smiles Dentistry has good news for you! Your good dental hygiene practices can help greatly reduce your risk of getting periodontal disease and tooth decay.

Call and book your appointment with Noble Smiles Dentistry and we can help you with all of your dental needs.

Posted on Behalf of Noble Smiles Dentistry