Preventing Gum Disease
Adults past the age of 35 lose more teeth to gum diseases than from cavities. Three out of four adults are affected at some time in their life. The best way to prevent cavities and Periodontal Diseases is by good tooth brushing and flossing techniques performed daily, regular professional examinations and cleanings. Unfortunately, even with the most diligent home dental care, certain high risk people can still develop some forms of periodontal disease. Once this disease starts, professional intervention is necessary to prevent its progress. The American Academy of Periodontology has developed a self-assessment tool with which you can access online to determine your risk profile for developing periodontal disease. Please click on the link to determine your risk http://www.perio.org/consumer/4a.html#.
Other important factors affecting the health of your gums include:
- Smoking/Smokeless tobacco
- Diabetes
- Stress
- Clenching and grinding teeth
- Medications
- Poor nutrition
Periodontal Disease and Tobacco
You are probably familiar with the links between tobacco use and lung disease, cancer and heart disease.
Numerous studies have linked periodontal disease with tobacco usage. Evidence indicates that smokers are three times more likely to have severe periodontal disease than non-smokers. Smokers are also significantly more likely to lose their teeth. There is also a greater incidence of calculus (tartar) formation on teeth, deeper pockets between gums and teeth, and greater loss of the bone and fibers that hold teeth in your mouth. In addition, your chance of developing oral cancer increases with the use of smokeless tobacco.
Chemicals in tobacco such as nicotine and tar also slow down healing and the predictability of success following periodontal treatment as well as implant treatment.
Problems caused by tobacco include:
Lung disease, heart disease, cancer, mouth sores, gum recession, loss of bone and teeth, bad breath, tooth staining, less success with periodontal treatment and with dental implants.
Quitting tobacco will reduce the chance of developing the above problems!