Dental experts have listed the top nine risk factors for tooth loss due to periodontal (gum) disease, which is the nation’s leading cause of tooth loos. These include:
Being over the age of 35
Being a male
Never getting professional dental care
Never using a toothbrush
Smoking
Having diabetes
Having high blood pressure
Having rheumatoid arthritis
Although age and gender are unchangeable, decisions to not brush your teeth or to smoke, for example, are something you can control.
Why should you worry about gum disease? In addition to causing tooth loss, oral bacteria can enter the bloodstream through tears in diseased tissues in the mouth. Once bloodborne, this bacteria can trigger an inflammatory reaction elsewhere in the body. The bacteria of gum disease has been linked to heart disease, stroke, memory loss, preterm babies, arthritis, diabetes and even impotency.
If losing teeth isn’t a concern, then the overall health risks should get your attention. Treating gum disease before it becomes severe can be done comfortably and affordably. Payment options are available for those without dental insurance.
Gum disease will only worsen without treatment. Call 1-866-9-Smiles if you have tender, sore gums that are red in color rather than a healthy pink. You need to be seen promptly.
