Gum disease can be more serious than you might realize. Not only can it lead to tooth loss, but without periodontal therapy Plainview NY, the infection can spread through your bloodstream and cause complications elsewhere in the body.

Apart from plaque, which is the main cause of gum disease, there are other factors that could put you at risk for periodontal issues. Some of them are beyond your ability to control, while others can potentially be changed or modified.

1. Poor Nutrition

The nutrients from the foods you eat help to make your immune system stronger, along with the rest of your body. If you do not receive enough of these nutrients from the foods you eat, it may make it harder for your body to fight off infections, such as those that cause gum disease.

2. Bruxism

Bruxism is the practice of habitually grinding or clenching your teeth. It can be a difficult habit to modify since you often do it unconsciously. However, bruxism can lead to gum disease by putting excess pressure on the tissues that support your teeth.

3. Stress

Stress is another factor that can weaken the immune system and make you more vulnerable to infection. It may not be possible to eliminate stress from your life entirely, but you may be able to manage it more effectively through relaxation exercises and other techniques.

4. Age

Gum disease affects more than 70% of all Americans at least 65 years of age. This age group has the highest incidence of periodontal disease according to scientific studies.

5. Tobacco Use

Smoking or chewing tobacco poses numerous risks to your health, and gum disease is one of them. Tobacco use doesn’t cause gum disease per se, but it can encourage the pathology to develop and progress more quickly.

Some people are genetically predisposed to gum disease. Though you cannot change your genes, you may be able to undergo interventional treatment early on to protect you from infection.