While it is true that gum disease affects millions of adults in the U.S. each year, a majority of individuals who suffer are 60 years and older. If this realization is causing you to worry about the status of your smile, you may wonder what risk factors are commonly tied to periodontal disease as well as what you can do to avoid becoming a statistic. Read on to find out what a dentist says about keeping your gums disease-free as you age.
What Are the Risk Factors Associated with Gum Disease?
Although gum disease knows no age, it’s not uncommon for there to be various risk factors that can increase your chances of developing tender, bleeding, and inflamed gums. These include:
- Individuals who have diabetes, as this weakens the immune system and makes it harder to manage blood sugar levels and prevent bad bacteria from attacking gum tissues
- Certain medications that are known to cause dry mouth, which is the result of a lack of saliva production
- Smoking and tobacco use
- Women who are experiencing menopause
- Men and women who are considered part of the senior popular (age 60 and older)
Why Are Seniors More at Risk for Gum Disease?
There are several reasons why older adults in the U.S. tend to be more prone to developing gum disease. One of the most common is the use of certain medications. Anti-depressants and those that help to treat heart disease can easily cause dry mouth. When saliva glands cannot adequately produce, it allows bad oral bacteria to accumulate inside the mouth, making it easier for gum disease to develop.
Other possible reasons include:
- Hormonal imbalances in women
- Systemic disorders that cause inflammatory issues throughout the body (i.e., diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular disease)
- Tobacco use and alcohol consumption
- Lack of physical activity
- Negative cognitive decline
- Vitamin C deficiency
What Can You Do to Avoid Gum Disease in Older Age?
Although you cannot stop the aging process, you can take steps to reduce the chances of falling into some of these high-risk categories that are commonly linked to gum disease.
Not only is it important to maintain a healthy diet full of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrient-rich foods, but you should also make sure that you’re getting plenty of physical exercise and keeping your mind in check. Older adults who become more forgetful may be more apt to neglect their six-month checkups and cleanings.
You’ll also want to maintain a good oral hygiene routine at home that includes brushing twice a day, flossing after every meal, using fluoridated toothpaste, and rinsing with an ADA-approved mouthwash.
Giving up bad habits like smoking and increasing your water consumption are also highly effective in reducing your risk.
As an aging adult, your smile still deserves the best possible care, so make sure you’re doing all you can to keep your gums and teeth looking and feeling good even in these twilight years.
About Grand Dental – Franklin Park
At Grand Dental – Franklin Park, we aim to provide exceptional dental care to patients of all ages. When individuals who are over the age of 60 arrive with concerns regarding their gum health, we can administer periodontal therapy to reverse symptoms and restore gum health. We can also deliver effective solutions to help mitigate the potential problems associated with gum disease. Contact us today by visiting our website or calling (847) 860-7093 to learn how we can help improve the state of your oral health no matter your age.