About half of adults in the U.S. over 30 have some form of gum disease. This percentage jumps up to about 60% for those who are 65 and older! This statistic can be worrying, but you may be curious as to why there seems to be a correlation between this condition and age. Here’s what you need to know and tips to ensure your smile stays protected no matter what.
Why Are Older Adults More Likely to Have Gum Disease?
As a reminder, gum disease is an infection in the soft tissues of the mouth. It’s often caused by poor dental hygiene and plaque buildup along the gumline, but there are several other risk factors to know. These are some that you may run into with age:
- Certain health conditions, like diabetes and cardiovascular disease, can weaken your immune system over time. This makes it harder for your body to fight off bacteria.
- Unhealthy habits, like using tobacco or excessive alcohol consumption, can be trouble and lead to inflammation and impact your immune system.
- Some medications you take have dry mouth as a side effect. You won’t be able to produce adequate amounts of saliva, which will allow harmful germs to linger on your smile.
- Hormonal changes, such as those during menopause, can make your gum tissue inflamed and sensitive.
How Can I Prevent Gum Disease?
With that said, just because some of the points above are true for you doesn’t mean you’ll get gum disease. It’s still possible to prevent it, but you may have to be more diligent with your oral hygiene routine. Keep up with brushing and flossing to remove plaque that can spell trouble. Rinse with alcohol-free antibacterial mouthwash to ensure you get all you can.
Break any bad habits like smoking or chewing tobacco, and cut back your alcohol consumption. Manage chronic conditions and maintain a balanced diet. That way, you avoid any trouble for your body and give it the nutrients it needs to stay strong. These might be small changes, but they are great ways to stop issues at home.
Don’t forget to schedule checkups and cleanings with your dentist as well. By seeing them twice yearly, they can watch for any red flags and fix them if there is anything worrying. You can get the treatment you need to keep your smile in great shape and strong for the long run.
About the Practice
At Sunset Avenue Dental, our team is dedicated to helping the Springdale community get the healthy grins they deserve with a wide range of treatments. We understand how some people may be at a higher risk of gum disease, so we offer effective services to manage and avoid it. Led by Dr. Ray Bollin, we tailor your care, and you can trust that we help your oral health be its best. If you are worried about this condition, schedule an appointment or call our office at (479) 309–8682.