Protecting Your Smile from Gum Disease Risk Factors

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The Halloween season is finally here, which means sweets and treats aplenty. However, do not overdo it this year as you can easily increase the risk for tooth decay and gum disease. Sugars and sweets can be transformed into harmful acids within your smile which will eat through your tooth enamel and contribute to plaque buildup and decay. Furthermore, if gum disease is present, tooth loss can eventually occur. However, not all risk factors for gum disease arise due to foods we eat.

Gum disease has numerous causes, and effects each individual differently. In some cases, gum disease may be much more likely in an individual simply due to genetics or other conditions such as diabetes. It is always important to speak with your dentist for routine check-ups to ensure no symptoms of gum disease are present.

Gum disease can also result due to lifestyle choices. This includes unhealthy habits that you may be partaking in, including chewing or smoking tobacco, as well as the use of drugs. Even medications can increase your risk for gum disease due to the presence of dry mouth. Dry mouth is a condition in which your mouth does not produce enough saliva. Furthermore, pregnancy has also been linked to an increased risk for gum disease.

If you need an additional diagnosis or treatments for gum disease, Dr. Kimberly Fee and our team at Kimberly W. Fee DMD will help you with your oral health care in any way we can. If you would like to schedule a visit to our dentist office in Prescott, Arizona, please call us at 928-778-7410. Your smile is our business!