While researching gum disease, I learned a few things – hooray for my inner scholar, hadn’t seen her in a while.
Did you know that tobacco use greatly increases your risk of gum disease? Another reason for those who are trying to quit smoking to keep going until they win the fight.
Stress also puts an individual in the higher risk zone for gum disease. Stress makes it harder for the body to fight off infection, including periodontal disease.
A few other factors that increase your risk of gum disease:
- Diabetes
- Down’s Syndrome
- Oral contraceptives, anti-depressants, and certain heart medicines
- Poor diet
- Not getting enough sleep
A warning to our smoking friends, I’d never read this before and thought I’d pass it along – if dental surgery is looming before you, you need to kick butt(s) beforehand. Here’s the link to the study’s findings: Smoking Impairs Outcome of Periodontal Procedures.
Not to harp (she says as she reaches for the harp), but if you have to quit for a dental procedure, just go on and quit for good.
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