In our previous post, we shared some of the common symptoms of gum disease. Today, we want to discuss some of the risk factors that make someone more likely to develop periodontal problems. We can and do treat gum infections and disease at our Laredo, TX dental offices, but we would prefer to help you prevent those issues whenever we can.
We want you to have a healthy smile for as long as possible. Visiting Davenport Dental Group for routine checkups can be an important part of your oral health. Call 956-242-6745 (Junction Drive) or 956-517-2695 (Winfield) to schedule an appointment with us soon.
We also hope you will take a few minutes to find out which factors may affect your long-term oral health.
Things You Can Control
You already know that your actions affect your health. Here are some of the things that can increase or decrease your odds of developing periodontal disease:
- Oral Hygiene – This shouldn’t be a surprise. If you care for your mouth, you are less likely to have problems. Likewise, poor oral care habits give harmful bacteria the opportunity to cause problems. As a reminder, the American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth twice daily and flossing between your teeth at least once per day.
- Tobacco Use – Using tobacco is bad for your health. It doesn’t matter whether you smoke, dip, or chew. Preliminary studies indicate that vaping makes you more likely to have periodontal disease, too. Tobacco leaves your gums more vulnerable to bacteria. Tobacco users also have more difficulty treating gum infections and are more likely to have recurring infections. If you are looking for support in giving up tobacco, a good place to start is by calling the Texas Quitline at 1-877-YES QUIT (1-877-937-7848).
- Poor Nutrition – Eating healthy gives you more energy and is good for your immune system. On the other side of that coin, eating poorly can weaken your immune system, which can make it more difficult for your body to fight infections of all kinds.
Things You Can’t Control
Some people are more prone to develop certain diseases, and gum disease is no different. Here are some things that may affect your own susceptibility to periodontal issues:
- Age – As they say, getting older is better than the alternative. Even so, as we age, we become more likely to have health problems. That includes oral health concerns.
- Family History – If gum infections are common in your family, your genetics could mean you are more likely to have similar issues. This doesn’t mean you are doomed to gum infections, but it may mean you need to take some extra precautions to protect your smile.
- Stress – Stress has been proven to weaken our bodies’ ability to fight diseases. There are ways to limit the stress in your life, but sometimes things happen in our personal and professional lives that we can’t control. How we deal with those situations can and does affect our health.
Protect Your Smile
It’s important to be proactive about your oral health. Eating healthy, knowing your family history, practicing good oral care habits, and getting regular dental checkups at Davenport Dental Group can make a big difference in your oral and overall health.
Contact us online or call 956-242-6745 (Junction Drive) or 956-517-2695 (Winfield) to request an appointment at either of our Laredo, TX locations.