{"id":494,"date":"2024-06-20T13:39:36","date_gmt":"2024-06-20T13:39:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.stephenscitydental.com\/blog\/?p=494"},"modified":"2024-07-11T13:40:04","modified_gmt":"2024-07-11T13:40:04","slug":"are-you-at-risk-for-periodontal-disease","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.stephenscitydental.com\/blog\/2024\/06\/20\/are-you-at-risk-for-periodontal-disease\/","title":{"rendered":"Are You at Risk for Periodontal Disease?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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As you age, your risk for certain illnesses increases. Thankfully, modern medicine has uncovered many ways to help decrease it and improve your quality of life. For example, you can lower your odds of developing skin cancer by wearing SPF or help prevent cardiovascular disease by exercising and eating a healthy diet. But did you know you can also slash your risk of periodontal disease? Here are a few habits and genetic predispositions that could be putting your mouth in jeopardy, and what you can do about it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

What is Periodontal Disease?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Periodontal disease (also known as gum disease) is a bacterial infection of the gums that if left untreated can cause gum recession, bone loss, tissue loss and even tooth loss. Periodontal disease is often preventable, but there are certain behaviors that can increase your risk of getting it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Poor Oral Hygiene<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While your dentist can help you improve your oral health with semi-annual cleanings, great oral hygiene begins at home. This means in addition to your semi-annual cleanings and exams<\/a>, you should be brushing twice a day and flossing at least once a day. By keeping your mouth clean, you can reduce your risk of developing everything from cavities and tooth infection to gingivitis and periodontal disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Smoking and Vaping<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Smoking can cause a litany of medical problems, including cardiovascular disease, lung disease, and cancer. It can also cause periodontal disease and worsen its progression. If you are a smoker, do your best to quit, but don\u2019t swap cigarettes for vaping. Vaping has many of the same dangerous chemicals found in cigarettes, but often in much higher concentrations, making it just as bad if not worse for your oral health than smoking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stress<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While you cannot always avoid stress, it has been found to reduce your ability to fight off infections such as periodontal disease. Thus, taking measures to reduce it can benefit not just your mental health but your oral health as well. To combat stress, try activities like meditation, getting more rest, exercising, or speaking to a mental health professional.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Genetics and Age<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you have a family history of periodontal disease you could be at a higher risk of developing it yourself. If this applies to you, it is even more important to stay on top of your oral health and hygiene and notify your dentist about your genetic predisposition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Illness<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Certain diseases can increase your risk of periodontal disease, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n