Did you know that seniors are significantly more likely to develop gum disease than younger adults? For example, sources report that an estimated 60% of people who are 65 years or older have some form of periodontal problem compared to only about 42% of those who are 30 to 64 years old. Not only that, but advanced gum disease is also the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.
Fortunately, this condition can also frequently be prevented. If you’re a senior and are concerned about your connective tissues, read on to learn about 3 factors that increase the risk of gum disease so you can avoid potential problems!
Issue #1: Prescription Medications
Saliva is your mouth’s natural defense system against common dental concerns, like cavities and periodontal issues. It regularly rinses away harmful bacteria, leftover bits of food, and other debris that can harm your oral health. Plus, it has a nearly neutral pH balance to counter potential acid damage to enamel.
However, some prescription medications cause dry mouth, which allows germs to flourish. For example, if you take certain antihistamines, antidepressants, decongestants, muscle relaxers, or blood pressure medications, you might want to speak with your doctor about alternatives that won’t leave you feeling parched.
Issue #2: Hormone Changes
Would you be surprised to learn that women are particularly prone to periodontal problems during menopause? This is because rapidly dropped estrogen levels can impact bone density as well as your body’s inflammatory response, and can also interfere with saliva production. This can result in a form of gum disease known as desquamative gingivitis (DG).
Although it’s possible for men to develop it, and for it to occur under the age of 30, it disproportionately impacts women who are middle-aged or older. For instance, an estimated 80% of diagnosed patients are female, and it’s cited as being 4 times more likely in women than men.
Issue #3: Long-Term Smoking
Many people who smoke cigarettes, vapes, or use other tobacco products develop oral health issues after repeated or prolonged exposure to nicotine. This addictive chemical also functions as a vasoconstrictor that limits your blood oxygen levels and flow. As a result, your body can’t deliver essential nutrients to your teeth and gums, increasing their vulnerability to damage, decay, and disease.
To make matters worse, nicotine also suppresses your immune system, so your mouth can’t benefit from your body’s natural immune response to infections, like gum disease. As a result, you may be two to six times more likely to develop periodontal concerns compared to non-smokers.
Whatever the reason behind it, your dentist offers solutions to help halt the progress of gum disease regardless of your age!
About the Practice
Patients at Mind Your Mouth benefit from two dentists eager to help families in South Portland enhance their lives by improving their oral health. Dr. Paret and Dr. Thaleia share 15+ years of combined experience and take a whole-body approach for optimal dental and overall wellness. Their caring and compassionate approach is paired with advanced technology to offer a comprehensive menu of services to meet your unique needs under one roof. You can request an appointment on the website or call (207) 200-4106.