Gum disease is one of the most common health problems on Earth, and it can arise from a wide range of potential causes. While you may be aware of how bad habits like neglecting to brush your teeth and excessive sugar consumption can set you up for destructive oral infections, you may not know that your genetics may also make you more vulnerable to gum disease. Here’s a brief guide to a few inherited conditions that can complicate your oral health.
Type I Diabetes
Type I Diabetes is a genetically inherited condition that affects the body’s ability to produce insulin normally. Insulin plays a crucial role in how your body processes blood sugar, which makes it necessary for diabetics to avoid sweet items like candy, pastries, and soda. However, diabetes also has the unfortunate effect of making it harder for your body to fight infections, and people with the condition are statistically more likely to develop gum disease. Be sure to inform your dentist if you have any form of diabetes.
Alcoholism
Genetic factors can make a person much more likely to become dependent on substances like alcohol, and heavy drinking is associated with poor oral health. Alcohol use can lead to gum problems for several reasons such as:
- Alcohol is acidic, meaning that it can irritate and erode crucial oral tissues such as your gums and enamel.
- Alcohol inhibits the body’s ability to heal and fight infections.
- People who have recently enjoyed too much alcohol frequently forget to practice oral hygiene for the day, or they may accidentally fall asleep before they get around to it. The negative effects of regularly missing normal oral hygiene sessions can add up significantly over time.
Inform your dentist if you tend to consume alcohol excessively. This will allow your dentist to plan your oral health treatments accordingly and possibly refer you to outside help for the issue if necessary.
Depression
Clinical depression sometimes runs in families, and it can make it much harder to practice oral hygiene properly. For example, a depressed person may sometimes feel too apathetic to bother brushing and flossing their teeth or too overwhelmed to schedule their next dental checkup. Some individuals also turn to comfort foods that are high in sugar and starches that can feed harmful oral bacteria. Mentioning your depressive symptoms to your dentist can allow them to recommend more effective ways to keep your mouth healthy.
While these conditions can make gum disease more likely, excellent oral hygiene and regular dental visits are the best ways to keep oral infections at bay. Being aware of how your overall health affects the health of your gums can help you understand the best ways to keep your mouth in excellent shape.
About the Practice
Smile by Design offers outstanding dental health services to the community of Virginia Beach. Led by Drs. Stephanie L. Santos, Vinita J. Folck, and Madison A. Squire, the staff ensures that each patient receives excellent customer service with genuine compassion. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. If you are concerned about the health of your gums, contact the office online or dial (757) 499-9639.