What are the Risk Factors for Periodontal Disease?

What Increases Your Risk of Gum Disease?

Periodontal disease is also known as gum disease, which causes infection of the tissues of your teeth, including the gums and bones. Primarily, it starts with gingivitis and gradually progresses to periodontitis.  

Common Risk Factors for Periodontal Disease

These are some common risk factors that increase the risk of developing periodontal disease:

Poor Oral Hygiene

Poor oral hygiene contributes to major risks of developing periodontal disease, as it allows pathogenic bacteria to thrive in your mouth. This eventually leads to inflammation and infection of the supporting tissues and gums. The build-up of plaque, tartar, and bacteria can irritate your gums, causing inflammation and tooth detachment.    

Diabetes

Diabetes impairs the immune response, increasing inflammation and changing the entire oral environment, favouring bacterial growth. Conversely, patients with high blood sugar levels can alter their salivary composition. An increased amount of glucose impairs the healing process. It triggers inflammatory responses, hinders healing mechanisms, and increases the risk of gum damage.     

Smoking

Smoking increases the risk of gingivitis and fosters the growth of harmful bacteria in your mouth. Smokers experience severe periodontal diseases, with greater bone loss and deeper periodontal pockets in comparison with non-smoking individuals. Additionally, smoking alters your body’s inflammatory response, causing difficulties in repairing wounds or infections.      

Medications

Medications that are prescribed regularly can show significant side effects, which may worsen periodontal disease. Common side effects include dry mouth, gingival overgrowth, and alterations in plaque formation. Frequent dry mouth reduces saliva production, leading to an increase in plaque buildup and oversensitiveness.    

Hormonal Changes

Hormonal changes, particularly in females, are a significant risk factor for periodontal disease. It primarily alters your body’s immune responses and responses to plaque buildup in your teeth. Conversely, it can increase the risk of the development of gum disease and inflammation.

Stress

When your body is under stress, it activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the sympathetic nervous system. It eventually leads to an increased production of cortisol and other related hormones. These hormonal shifts suppress your immune responses, making it difficult for your immune system to fight pathogens.  

Genetics

The majority of the diseases that persist for a prolonged period occur due to genetic alterations. Genetic mutations can influence an individual’s immunity capacity against pathogens. Additionally, it also impacts the progression and severity of this particular condition, especially in a diabetic environment.     

Systemic Diseases

Systemic diseases, such as diabetes or autoimmune diseases, weaken bone development processes. Apart from this, these diseases also alter blood sugar levels, creating a favourable environment for the bacteria to thrive in your mouth, causing gum infection and tooth detachment.   

Complications of Periodontal Disease

These are certain complications that can arise from a prolonged periodontal disease in a diabetic patient:

• Tooth Loss: Periodontitis damages tissues and bones that support teeth, exposing the teeth to become loose and requiring extractions.
• Gum Recession: Recession of gums exposes the roots, leading to sensitivity and increased risk of infection and cavities.
• Abscesses: Periodontal disease can create pus pockets around the gums and teeth, leading to pain, swelling and systemic gum infection.
• Bone Losses: Frequent gum infection and inflammation cause deterioration of the jawbone, making it difficult to maintain a proper tooth structure, leading to bone loss.

It is essential to consult a senior dentist in case of any serious periodontitis complications. On the other hand, if you have systemic complications, such as diabetes or any autoimmune disease, you must take precautions.