Three Risk Factors that Can Aggravate Gum Disease
Gum disease, one of the commonest health issues in the Western world, can afflict anyone. However, certain risk factors can increase the severity of gum disease and make it more difficult to treat. Let’s take a look at three key risk factors: diabetes, smoking, and high blood pressure.
Diabetes and Gum Disease
People with diabetes are more susceptible to gum disease due to several factors. High blood sugar levels can create an environment that is conducive to bacterial growth, leading to increased inflammation in the gums. Additionally, diabetes can weaken the body's immune system, making it harder to fight off infections.
Smoking and Gum Disease
Smoking is a major risk factor for gum disease. The harmful chemicals in tobacco smoke can irritate the gums, making them more prone to inflammation. Smoking also reduces blood flow to the gums, hindering the body's ability to heal once infection has taken hold.
High Blood Pressure and Gum Disease
The relation between high blood pressure and gum disease is not fully understood. What we do know is where you find one, you will often find the other. Gum disease may be a contributory factor to raising your blood pressure. Whilst increased blood pressure may ultimately feedback and contribute to gum disease by damaging blood vessels in the gums. This damage can make it difficult for the gums to receive the necessary nutrients and oxygen, leading to inflammation and tissue breakdown.
Taking Action to Protect Your Oral Health
As part of the management of your gum disease risk and potential complications, we recommend you adhere to the following advice:
- Manage Diabetes: Work closely with your GP to manage your blood sugar levels through diet, exercise, and medication.
- Quit Smoking: Smoking cessation is one of the most effective ways to improve oral health. Consider seeking help from the NHS who will have good tips on quitting smoking. Local stop smoking services are free, friendly and can massively boost your chances of quitting for good.
- Control High Blood Pressure: Maintain a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management techniques. Follow your doctor's advice regarding medication and lifestyle changes.
Regular Dental Check-ups
Regular dental check-ups are crucial for early detection and treatment of gum disease. Your dentist can assess your oral health, identify any signs of gum disease, and recommend appropriate treatment.
Norfolk Dental Specialists: Your Partner in Oral Health
By understanding the risk factors and taking proactive steps to protect your oral health, you can significantly reduce your chances of developing severe gum disease. However, if you are experiencing severe symptoms of gum disease, such as bleeding gums, swollen gums, or loose teeth, it is important to seek professional dental care. Norfolk Dental Specialists offers advanced treatments for gum disease, including scaling and root planing, and periodontal surgery.
To arrange a consultation for periodontal treatment, or to discuss your options for dental implants that anchor prosthetic crowns and bridges, please call us on 01603 632525 or make an enquiry using the online form on our contact page.