There are many factors that can lead to periodontal disease. It is very difficult to sum it up in one word, but we have narrowed it down to seven factors that you are more likely to develop if you live a certain lifestyle. Each factor is not a direct cause, but when several factors overlap, the risk of developing periodontal disease increases. The more items that apply to you, the more careful you should be.
7 habits that make you more susceptible to gum disease
1. Not brushing your teeth or not being able to clean your mouth
When plaque builds up on your teeth, your mouth becomes filled with bacteria. People like this are definitely at a higher risk of developing periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is a lifestyle-related disease, so your daily lifestyle habits are more important than anything else. Brushing your teeth and taking care of your mouth are the basis for preventing not only periodontal disease, but also cavities.
2. Smoking
Smoking poses a huge risk to periodontal disease and is said to be the leading risk factor. Compared to non-smokers, smokers are more likely to develop periodontal disease and it progresses faster. It is also known that it is harder to cure even with treatment. The main reasons are as follows:
- Poor blood circulation in the gums results in insufficient oxygen and nutrients reaching the gums.
- The resistance of the gums is weakened, the function of white blood cells that fight bacteria is halved, and the immune system is weakened.
- Suppresses saliva production, making it easier for plaque and tartar to build up
3. Diabetes
It has long been said that people with diabetes are more likely to develop periodontal disease. This is related to dry mouth. When blood sugar levels rise, saliva production decreases, causing the mouth to become dry. This reduces the function of white blood cells, allowing periodontal disease bacteria to multiply. Therefore, if people with diabetes neglect to take care of their mouths, they can easily develop periodontal disease.
4. Mouth open
The inside of the mouth is made of mucous membranes and is covered with saliva, making it difficult for bacteria to attach. When the mouth is open, the mouth becomes dry, which reduces the function of white blood cells and increases the number of periodontal disease bacteria. People with bad noses and chronic mouth breathers should also be careful.
5. Teeth grinding
Grinding your teeth puts pressure on your teeth, which can damage your teeth and gums and worsen periodontal disease. There are three types of teeth grinding, the worst of which is grinding your teeth sideways.
- Grinding your teeth sideways
- Clenching teeth
- Tapping to make teeth tick
Although teeth can withstand vertical (lengthwise) forces of up to 100 kg, they are weak against lateral forces, and teeth grinding can damage periodontal tissues.
6. Bad teeth alignment
The alignment of teeth is not the direct cause, but rather plaque remains due to the difficulty of brushing and caring for the teeth. Plaque eventually mixes with saliva components and turns into tartar, which can lead to periodontal disease. Teeth also tend to become more misaligned as we age. Many people who had beautifully aligned teeth when they were young, but now have gaps between their teeth, a condition known as flaring, develop after turning 50. This also makes it difficult to brush your teeth, which can lead to the risk of periodontal disease, so caution is required.
7. Taking medications such as antihypertensives, antiepileptics, or immunosuppressants
It is said that antihypertensive drugs are the biggest factor in causing periodontal disease. If you look inside the mouth of someone who is taking them, you can easily tell because their gums are swollen. Especially in middle-aged and elderly people, high blood pressure and the use of antihypertensive drugs often lead to periodontal disease.
Summary
It is said that 80% of Japanese people are infected with periodontal disease, which can be said to be a national disease. If you are reading this article, you may have periodontal disease. Periodontal disease progresses gradually, so there are no noticeable symptoms, and many people only realize they have it when a doctor diagnoses them at a dental clinic. If you fit the criteria in this article, why not go to the dentist for a regular checkup? Even if you do not have periodontal disease, it is important to practice preventive dentistry by regularly having regular checkups and cleanings.