immune system and keep your oral soft tissues healthy.
Tooth Truth #5
If you smoke, this places you at a higher risk for gum disease. Cigarettes have lots of toxins in them. These toxins increase inflammation and impair your body’s immune response. Smoking enlarges your gums and the bacteria that is present on your tooth and gum line then moves into your bloodstream. It causes damage to organs in the body, specifically your heart and blood vessels.
Tooth Truth #6
Stressing out wreaks havoc on your immune system and impacts your body’s ability to ward off gum disease. When you stress, your blood vessels become inflamed, breaking down the soft tissue in your mouth and impairing it from healing properly. Manage your stress.
RELATED: The Surprising Way Gum Disease Hurts Men
You May Also Like
Tooth Truth #7
Family history increases your risk for periodontal disease. Thirty-five percent of those who have gum disease are born with genetics that put them at a higher risk. If gum disease runs in your family, practice preventative measures.
Tooth Truth #8
Medication can put you at an increased risk for gum disease. It interferes with blood flow to your tissues leading to dry mouth and less protection of the gums. Tissues can worsen with the presence of plaque.
Gum Disease 101: Why It Starts And How To Stop It
Tooth Truth #9
Gum disease is contagious. It can be transferred via saliva through shared utensils, drinking from the same cup and kissing. And don’t ever share a toothbrush!
You May Also Like
Tooth Truth #10
Pregnancy can increase your chances of having gum disease. Approximately 50% of pregnant women have pregnancy gingivitis by their second trimester. Keeping gum disease in check is critical because it can lead to preeclampsia and preterm birth.
Knowing these tooth truths will help decrease your risk for gum disease. Brushing and flossing regularly is one aspect of good oral hygiene, but being aware of these other factors are critical, too.
