Are You at a High Risk of Gum Disease?

Gum disease is usually preventable, but this may be more difficult for some than for others.

Gum disease is one of the most common dental problems in the world. In fact, many people will experience some form of it during their lifetime even if they aren’t aware of it at the time.The good news is that gum disease is usually preventable. Regular brushing, interdental cleaning and visiting your Chelmsford dentist will all make a significant difference.

Some people seem to maintain healthy gums with relatively little difficulty, while others find that their gums bleed, become swollen or develop more serious problems despite making a real effort to look after their teeth. There can be a number of reasons why this is, and we will look at these in today’s blog.

What Causes Gum Disease?

It all begins with plaque. This is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth. If it is not  fully and regularly removed, it can build up around the gum line and develop into tartar, a hardened form that is much more difficult to remove. The bacteria can irritate the gums, causing them to become red, swollen and prone to bleeding. This early stage is known as gingivitis. At this point, the condition can usually be reversed with improved cleaning and professional dental care.

Not everyone notices symptoms though, and even when they are present, may consider a little bleeding from the gums as ‘normal’. Others may not have any symptoms at all and this  is why it is sometimes referred to as a ‘silent disease’. If the inflammation continues and is allowed to advance to the stage of periodontitis, the infection can eventually begin to damage the bone and tissues that support the teeth. This can eventually lead to loose teeth and tooth loss.

Who is more vulnerable?

One significant risk factor is a previous history of gum disease. If you have already experienced gum problems, you may be more likely to develop them again in the future. This does not mean that further problems are inevitable, but it does mean that regular maintenance is particularly important. Some people also naturally build up plaque and tartar more quickly than others. The shape of your teeth, their position and the amount of saliva you produce can all play a part.

One of the biggest risk factors though is smoking. The chemicals in tobacco smoke affect the gums in a number of different ways. Smoking reduces blood flow, affects the immune system and makes it more difficult for the body to respond to infections. This makes it easier for gum disease to progress in smokers than in non smokers.

If you can quit smoking, not only will you start to improve your general health (and save a lot of money), but the health of your gums will almost certainly improve as well.

Diabetes

While other health issues can affect your gum health, diabetes is perhaps the most common one, especially where blood sugar levels are not well controlled. It is a ‘double edged sword’; high blood sugar makes gum disease more likely and advanced gum disease makes it harder to control blood sugar levels. Even in these situations, it is not inevitable that gum disease will be a serious problem for you. We do recommend that you talk to our dental team though to discuss the best way forward to manage and control your gum health.

Pregnancy

Due to hormonal changes when expecting a child, women are more prone to gum disease. If you are pregnant, you should let the Blue Sky Dental team be aware so that we can help you to maintain healthy gums throughout your pregnancy.

Lifestyle

In addition to smoking, if you live a stressful life, you may find that your diet and teeth cleaning habits are not as balanced as they should be. General neglect because you are too busy at work or with family commitments can make you more liable to have gum disease. If you recognise this in yourself, pause and take a few minutes and look at how you can adjust your lifestyle and maintain healthy teeth and gums.

And finally ….

Please remember that our Chelmsford dentists and the dental hygienist team are here to help you navigate through life with healthy teeth and gums. Regular check up appointments and regular carrying out of a ‘scale and polish’ procedure by the hygienist are essential components of having a healthy mouth.

If you would like to see how we can help you get your oral health back on track and avoid issues like gum disease, please call the Blue Sky Dental practice today on 01245 211070 and talk to our receptionists who will be able to book a convenient appointment for you. And please remember that we are a specialist dentist with a range of specialists in house, include for periodontal issues.