Are my gums prone to periodontitis?
Find out if you are part of one of the population groups most susceptible to having gum problems. We are not all the same nor do diseases affect us in the same way.
One in three Spaniards has periodontal problems, known as gingivitis and periodontitis.
In the first case, the gums become inflamed and bleed; and in the second, the gums and bone are also destroyed and the teeth could end up falling out.
These diseases affect some population groups more than others.
If you belong to any of them, your gums will be more prone to suffering from periodontitis.
Smokers: For a smoker, the risk of suffering from periodontitis is three times higher compared to the non-smoking population.
Furthermore, it progresses more rapidly and its diagnosis is more complex.
The gums of smokers not only have more pathogenic bacteria, but they also have fewer defenses against their attack since they receive less blood and oxygen supply.
Finally, tobacco masks the symptoms of periodontal disease, that is, the gums appear healthy to the naked eye, but they are not, which means that the problem is detected when it is already very advanced.
Diabetics: Diabetics have up to three times the risk of suffering from periodontitis and for it to progress more quickly.
They are also more likely to suffer from other oral problems, such as fungal infections, dry mouth or xerostomia; a symptom of burning mouth and poorer wound healing.
People with a lot of stress: People with high stress levels are twice as likely to suffer from periodontal disease as those with minimal stress and good coping skills.
Cortisol, known as the stress hormone, can generate inflammation in different parts of our body, which leads to a higher risk of periodontal disease.
Pregnant women: Approximately 60% of women suffer from gum inflammation (gestosis gravidarum or pregnancy) during pregnancy.
It usually occurs between the third and eighth month, and disappears after childbirth.
It is important to prevent and treat it since half of pregnant women suffer from gingivitis and their condition can worsen to periodontitis.
Menopausal women: Menopause is a period in which women’s gums are more susceptible to periodontal disease as a result of the reduction of certain hormones, which causes the salivary glands to generate less saliva and, therefore, the mouth to be drier and more unprotected.
This dry mouth is also usually exacerbated by the intake of certain medications.
At this stage of a woman’s life, desquamative gingivitis (reddish and painful gums) and postmenopausal gingivostomatitis (shiny and dry gums, with easy bleeding) are common.
People with certain ongoing medications.
Frequent intake of certain medications can affect gum health.
On the one hand, taking oral contraceptives is associated with an increase in gum inflammation which, although not usually intense, can cause irreversible damage if prolonged.
On the other hand, the use of anti-inflammatories, corticosteroids and anticoagulants can cause abnormal bleeding in the gums.
If you are part of any of these risk groups, we recommend that you take extra care of your daily oral hygiene and be alert to the first signs of periodontal disease, such as inflammation or bleeding gums.
Visiting your dentist regularly is a good way to prevent it. + info: How can I tell if my gums are sick?