Periodontal Disease Risk Factors

Many patients recognize the importance of wellness, but over time different lifestyle factors can negatively impact their wellness. To help maintain wellness, keep in mind the following tips:

Kick the tobacco habit

Tobacco use is one of the most significant risk factors in the development and progression of periodontal diseases. In fact, smoking may be responsible for more than half of the cases of periodontal diseases among adults in the United States. Tobacco’s negative effects on periodontal health are well documented. Smoking impairs the body’s defense mechanisms, making smokers more susceptible to infections like periodontal diseases and interferes with healing, making smokers less likely to respond to treatment. Most patients that have recurrent periodontal diseases are smokers. Smoking is also associated with complications after gum surgery.

Strive to be stress free

Minimize the stress in your life. By developing coping mechanisms to deal with stressful situations, you can minimize stress. Often, patients who are having a difficult time coping with stress can neglect their oral hygiene, start grinding their teeth, and even see changes in their production of saliva.

Genetics

Family history may make a difference in your overall wellness. For example, if your family member has a heart condition, they may take extra care to exercise and eat right. The same idea applied to periodontal diseases. Periodontal diseases are multi-factorial, meaning that susceptibility to the disease involves genetic as well as environmental factors such as diet, smoking, and other lifestyle factors. Your genes play a major role in the onset and severity of periodontal diseases. Researchers believe there are many genes that play a role in your susceptibility to periodontal diseases, and these may differ by race and ethnic group. Currently you can determine if you are more genetically susceptible to periodontal diseases through a genetic test, which can be performed using a saliva sample. This test helps dental professionals identify patients who might be at a higher risk for periodontal diseases before any symptoms arise, so that a good oral hygiene routine can be developed.

Avoid clenching or grinding your teeth

Clenching or grinding of teeth can put excess force on the supporting tissues of the mouth and can increase destruction of periodontal tissues, especially when bone loss has already occurred. Try relaxing your jaw when you feel stressed. Be sure to talk to your dental professional about wearing a night guard if clenching or grinding of teeth occurs during sleep.

See the glass half full

According to the National Mental Health Association clinical depression is one of the most common mental illnesses, affecting more than 19 million Americans each year. Depression can affect treatment outcomes and slow healing time after surgery. It is important for patients to comply with all pre and post treatment instructions and to inform their dental professional if they are taking any medications to treat depression. Mental health is a component of overall wellness, and as such, you should remember that even smiling and having a good attitude can contribute to your overall mental health.

Wear a mouth guard

Exercise is an important part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. If you participate in any sport that carries a risk of injury, you should wear a mouth guard. These sports might include football, hockey, basketball, volleyball, and even baseball and racquetball. Mouth guards can cushion a blow to the face, minimizing the risk of broken teeth, injuries to the soft tissues of the mouth, and reduce clenching during these activities.

Drink alcohol in moderation

Drinking the occasional glass of red wine or beer has been shown to have positive effects on the body; however, heavy drinking can negatively impact the oral cavity. Alcohol can irritate the gums, tongue, and oral tissues; it can contribute to poor healing after surgery and can half your oral hygiene routine. In addition, heavy drinkers often suffer from tooth decay as a result of the increased exposure to sugars and acids that are often found in alcoholic drinks. Heavy drinking is also associated with an increased risk of oral cancer.