Medical Health Risks of Gum Disease
 Did you know that there are certain factors that can increase your risk of developing gum disease? It is important to know exactly what you're dealing with in terms of risk so that you can properly protect your mouth.
Medical ConditionsDid you know that certain medical conditions can make you more susceptible to developing gum disease? A few of the most common include diabetes, cancer, HIV/AIDS, herpes, osteoporosis, autoimmune diseases, and tuberculosis. Hormonal changes that girls and women experience can also play a role.
LifestyleCertain factors in your lifestyle can also put you at a higher risk of developing gum disease. Smoking is one of the most prominent, but poor nutrition and high stress levels can also have an effect. The good news with lifestyle factors is that they can usually be altered, so take steps to keep your gums healthy by giving up smoking, eating a healthier diet, and combating stress.
MedicationsCertain medications can play a role in the development of gum disease. If you take antidepressants, seizure medications, or heart disease medication, you should pay extra attention to the state of your gums. Birth control pills and immunosuppressant drugs can also affect your gum health.
DemographicsThere are certain populations who are just inherently more susceptible to developing gum disease than others. Your risk tends to grow as you get older - while only 25% of people between the ages of 30 and 44 are thought to have gum disease, this number jumps to 50% when examining people between the ages of 65 and 74. Women are also more likely to develop severe gum disease than men.
Just because you may be at a higher risk of gum disease than others, that doesn't mean you are going develop the condition for certain. By taking proper care of your teeth, you can avoid it entirely. |
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