Gums. They’re the kind of thing you don’t think about when they’re healthy — but as soon as they start to cause problems, you quickly realize just how important they are. Unfortunately, sometimes that’s already too late. Did you know that nearly half of Americans suffer from some form of gum disease? And that the infection can have serious repercussions on the rest of the body? Keep reading to learn more about the condition — from its causes and prevention to the gum disease treatment. Dr. Carolyn and Walter McGinn, your Quiet Corner dentists, are in.
Gum Disease: A Serious(ly preventable) Condition
In order to understand just how easy it is to prevent gum disease, you must consider its number one cause: poor oral hygiene. When plaque isn’t thoroughly removed through proper brushing and flossing, the sticky substance is able to form into the hard, porous stuff we call tartar — and gum disease or gingivitis is soon to follow. So, what’s the key to preventing gum disease? Brushing for two minutes, twice a day, flossing once a day and keeping up with your twice-annual visits to your Putnam dentists. It really is that simple. There are some other risk factors for gum disease, too. They include:- Age — older adults are more likely to develop the condition
- Smoking or tobacco use
- Female hormonal changes, like menopause
- Illnesses that weaken the immune system, like AIDS and diabetes
- Genetic factors