What Could Make Periodontal Disease More Likely?

A common dental health condition is periodontal disease. Many people have to deal with at some point in their lives. You can decrease the risk for it by practicing good oral hygiene habits. Sometimes, though, people are their own worst enemies and actually increase the risk for this health condition. If you don’t properly take care of your teeth and gums, or if your exposure to harmful substances like tobacco is high, you have a higher potential to contract periodontal disease.

Infrequent Dental Hygiene

Oral bacteria that infects your gum tissue the main cause of periodontal disease. It happens when both plaque and tartar are present in large quantities at your gum line. If you want to prevent this from occurring, then you need to constantly brush your teeth and your gums. The standard recommended brushing is twice a day while flossing at least once a day. Make sure you are also going to your regularly scheduled dental checkups and cleanings.

Unhealthy Habits (Like Smoking)

Plaque and tartar aren’t the only culprit to periodontal disease. There are other harmful substances that can have an affect on your oral health. If you are a smoker or if you chew tobacco, then you’re allowing hundreds of chemicals into your mouth. This can increase your risk of periodontal disease while also increasing your risk of oral cancer.

Other Untreated Dental Conditions

Sometimes dental health problems don’t seem like they’re related to periodontal health, but they can definitely make the chances of contracting periodontal disease much higher if you leave them untreated. One example would be crooked teeth. You might think that they’re just a cosmetic problem, but they can create pockets between your gums and teeth. This can lead to an accumulation of oral bacteria.

Reduce Your Risks of Periodontal Disease

If you follow proper oral hygiene and stay away from harmful chemicals while addressing any other dental conditions, you can greatly reduce your chances of ever contracting periodontal disease. If you have more questions, or you’re worried that you’re at risk, contact your dentist for a consultation today. They can help provide you with more information on how to prevent and treat periodontal disease.