Gum disease affects 85% of adults in the United States. It is well known that gum disease is associated with heart disease, lung disease, kidney disease, arthritis, kidney disease, pre-term babies, diabetes as well as some cancers.
There are gum recession factors that we can manage and others that we can’t. Fortunately, the manageable ones outnumber the non- manageable.
Modifiable factors affecting gum disease include:
- Smoking
- Poor Oral Hygiene
- Nutrition
- Hormone changes
- Diabetes
- Medications
- Stress
Non-modifiable factors are aging and hereditary factors.
Since the inflammatory process of gum disease cause release to inflammatory factors into our blood stream it can trigger inflammatory processes in other parts of our bodies like our coronary arteries, kidneys, and even our brains. Some newer research implies that gum disease might be associated with cognitive impairment.
Here are some suggestion to help address the factors we can control;
- Start a smoking cessation program…talk to your doctor
- Brush 3-4 times a day, floss and see your dentist regularly
- Eat well and hydrate. Make sure you are not deficient in vitamins such as Vitamin C, Vitamin D, ask your MD
- Talk to your doctor about your hormone levels. Higher progesterone can increase bleeding in your gums
- Diabetes; Work with your medical team to help get your blood sugar level at an optimum level for you
- Certain medications can lead to dry mouth, increasing your vulnerability to decay and periodontal disease
- Watch your stress levels, Nighttime bruxism can cause recession and enamel breaking at the gum line. Talk to your dentist about a night guard to protect your teeth and gums.
Call with any other questions! Stay well and avoid the recession!
Author
Kari L. Sakurai , D.D.S.
Dr. Sakurai is on staff at UCLA Medical Center, St. John's Health, SM-UCLA Orthopedic Hospital, and at LAC+USC as Assistant Adjunct Professor of Clinical Dentistry. With over 25 years of clinical experience and teaching at cutting edge, Universities helps us deliver the evidence-based technology care to our patients.
