Gingivitis is a type of gum disease characterized by inflammation of the gum tissue. This bacterial infection is an early stage of gum disease and is considered easier to treat when caught early. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress into periodontitis, a more serious gum infection that can cause tooth loss and gum recession, among other symptoms. In fact, the American Dental Association lists periodontitis and gingivitis as the leading causes of tooth loss in adults. Understanding your risk of these conditions can help you take better care of your gums and reach out to a Midtown Gingivitis specialist early for treatment. According to dental experts, the following factors can increase your gingivitis risk.
Tobacco Use
Tobacco use is known to raise your risk of many serious medical conditions, including heart disease, lung disease, and cancer. According to studies, tobacco can also make you more susceptible to gum disease. Healthcare providers explain that this is because tobacco weakens the body’s natural immune system and ability to fight off illnesses. Tobacco also contains harmful substances like tar, which can alter the chemical composition of your teeth and compromise your gum health. Combined, these factors can cause your gum tissue to become inflamed, leading to gingivitis.
Age and Genetics
Research has shown that gingivitis is more common in older patients. According to the CDC, more than 7 in every 10 Americans 65 or older live with some form of gingivitis. Similar research shows that genetics may also play a role in gum disease, with people with a family history of the condition more susceptible to developing it themselves. And while you cannot do much about your age or genetics, understanding your increased risk can help you take measures to prevent gingivitis. You can, for instance, brush and floss your teeth regularly and get a professional cleaning at least twice a year.
Stress
Like tobacco use, stress has also been linked to several medical conditions, including cancer, hypertension, and migraines. Stress can also increase your risk of gingivitis by affecting your body’s ability to fight off bacterial infections. Moreover, stress-induced behaviors like teeth grinding or clenching – bruxism – can exert undue pressure on your teeth, causing them to loosen. Loose teeth tend to have pockets in between them where bacteria can collect, causing inflammation of the gum tissue.
Systemic Diseases
Gingivitis can be a sign of an underlying systemic disease like rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, or heart disease. These conditions compromise the immune system and your body’s anti-inflammatory defenses. Unfortunately, the relationship between them and gum disease is circular. Bacterial infections in the gum can enter the bloodstream if left untreated, causing systemic disease elsewhere. And when you develop these diseases, they may make you more susceptible to gingivitis.
Medications
Some medications like heart medicine and antidepressants are known to cause dry mouth. This unfortunate side effect can increase your risk of gingivitis because saliva is responsible for washing food particles away from your teeth. Moreover, saliva contains natural antibodies that help fight bacteria in your mouth, lowering your risk of gingivitis, tooth decay, and other oral infections.
Assess Your Risk for Gingivitis and Get Help
If you just realized you are at an increased risk of developing gingivitis, you should take action. Untreated gum disease can cause permanent damage to your teeth, bone, and gums. Protect your teeth by scheduling an appointment with your dentist today. With their training and high-tech equipment, they can help establish your level of risk or begin treatment for already-present symptoms.
