Gum disease, also known as periodontitis, is an infection of the tissues that surround and support your teeth. This infection causes your gums to become inflamed and irritated, and it can lead to other health issues.

There are some known factors that can increase your risk of gum disease, and it's important to know what they are so you can be aware of them and take proper steps to prevent gum disease from affecting you. Some of these factors include:

Your Age

Young adults in their 20s and 30s may be at increased risk for gum disease if their oral hygiene habits aren't good or if they aren't as diligent about visiting their dentist.

Poor Oral Hygiene

When you don't brush your teeth regularly or properly, plaque can build up on your teeth and harden into tartar – a difficult substance to dislodge on your own. Brushing twice a day for two minutes at a time and avoiding sticky foods can help you avoid this.

Smoking

Smokers are at a higher risk for gum disease than those who never smoked. This is because smoking tends to weaken your immune system and makes your gums more prone to infection.

Diabetes

Those with uncontrolled or poorly controlled diabetes may face a bigger risk of gum disease due to changes in blood sugar levels that slow the healing process in the mouth.

Pregnancy

Women who become pregnant are at higher risk for developing gum disease because of hormonal changes and increased blood flow to their gums, which can cause inflammation and make them more susceptible to bacteria growth.

Medications

Many medications can cause dry mouth, which can also increase your risk of gum disease or worsen it if you already have the disease. A dry mouth happens when you don't produce enough saliva to wash away food particles and bacteria from your mouth. If your teeth are constantly exposed to these irritants, they are more likely to become damaged and infected.

Stress

Those who have a lot of stress in their daily lives may find that their gums are more tender, bleed more, and seem swollen and redder than usual. This heightened sensitivity can lead to increased rates of gum disease.

If you're concerned about your risk or you have noticed symptoms of gum disease, we encourage you to call our office to make an appointment. We would love to help you treat any early signs of gum disease before it leads to a more serious problem!

To find out more about the dental services offered at Summit Family Dental Care, call (541) 779-2634 or schedule an online consultation. You can also visit us at 1420 E. McAndrews Rd, Medford, OR 97504.