Preventing Gum Disease

At least three out of four adults are affected by gum disease at some time in their lifetime. Adults over the age of 35 lose more teeth to gum diseases than from cavities. The best way to prevent periodontal diseases is by thorough daily tooth brushing and flossing and regular professional examinations and cleanings. Unfortunately, even with the most diligent home dental care, people can still develop some form of periodontal disease. Once the disease starts, professional intervention is necessary to prevent its progression.

Factors that can negatively affect the health of your gums include: tobacco usage, stress, clenching and grinding teeth, some medications, and poor nutrition.

Periodontal Disease & Tobacco

You are probably familiar with the link between tobacco use and lung disease, cancer, and heart disease. Current studies have now also linked tobacco usage with periodontal disease. Cases of periodontal disease are more severe in smokers and tobacco-users than in those who do not use tobacco. In smokers and tobacco-users, there is greater incidence of calculus formation on teeth, deeper pockets between gums and teeth, and a greater loss of bone and fibers that hold and protect teeth. In addition, smokeless tobacco increases the chance of developing oral cancer.  Furthermore, chemicals in tobacco such as nicotine and tar slow down healing and the predictability of success following periodontal treatment.

Quitting smoking and tobacco-use can have innumerous benefits for your overall and periodontal health.   For more information to help you quite smoking Click Here.  We have published an article about the relationship between Periodontal Disease and Smoking that you can read here.