DID YOU KNOW? You are at higher risk for gum disease—Gingivitis (early stage) or Periodontitis (advanced stage)—if you fall under the following categories:
- You smoke: Smoking/tobacco use is one of the greatest risk factors and lowers chances for successful treatment. Smokers are 2x more likely to get gum disease than non-smokers.
- You follow an unhealthy lifestyle: Stress can impair the body’s ability to fight infections, including gum disease.
- You experience hormonal changes: Women during pregnancy, menstruation, or menopause may have more sensitive gums prone to inflammation.
- Poor nutrition: Lack of essential nutrients makes it harder for your body to fight infections, including gum disease.
- Take medications: Many medications can affect oral health—always inform your dentist.
- Suffer from chronic diseases: Conditions like diabetes, cancer, or HIV weaken the body’s ability to fight infections, including gum disease, and must be informed to your dentist.
What is the Solution?
Regular dental visits and Dental Prophylaxis (teeth cleaning), known as Scaling, when repeated every 6 months along with regular check-ups, can largely prevent and/or reduce the incidence of gum disease. Scaling removes plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) above and around the gumline. In severe cases, deeper cleaning is required to clean down to the bottom of the pockets.
Concerned about your gum health?
Our dentists can help you prevent and treat gum disease effectively.