You might not be too thrilled to learn that whether or not you experience gum disease is dependent upon more than just your dental hygiene. Now, that does not mean that you should give up on brushing and flossing altogether. Instead, it means you need to pay extra special attention to good home care (and professional cleanings and checkups) since there are several factors at play. For a better understanding regarding what exactly influences periodontal problems, consider some new information.
Your Genetics
Did you know that your genetics play a role in whether or not you experience gum disease? Nobody likes hearing it, of course, but it is certainly something to consider. If Mom and Dad both dealt with periodontal disease, you will want to pay extra attention to being as thorough and consistent as possible. (Note: If your family never seems to experience gum problems, your dedication to care is still essential!)
Your Hormones
Yes, it’s true. Fluctuating hormones are often to blame for the onset of puffy gums and the gum disease concerns that occur. Since inflammation becomes more likely when your hormones are in flux, this means being extra diligent about care is important during times like puberty, pregnancy, and menopause, to name a few.
Your Tobacco Use
You’re probably not surprised to find out that in addition to posing other oral health risks (like increasing your chance of oral cancer), using tobacco of any kind can increase your chance of experiencing gum disease. If you want to decrease this possibility, it’s a good idea to cut out smoking, chewing tobacco, and any other related product.
