Periodontitis is a disease in the gums that can destroy bone or damage your soft tissue. It’s common, but preventable when you take the proper precautions. Women and men should take special care of their teeth because they are more prone to this disease.

Here at Pro Dental Dallas, we always educate our patients so that they can have optimal oral health. We recommend regular exams so that if there are signs of gum disease, it can be addressed right away.

Men Are Prone to Periodontal Disease

According to the American Academy of Periodontology, it’s estimated that 56% of men have periodontal disease. This is higher than the 38% of women. Also, men that have periodontal disease are 14% more likely to develop cancer. Taking care of your oral health is important on so many levels.

Periodontal Disease and Sexual Health in Men

There has been some research that suggests that men who have periodontal disease can increase their risk of ED. This is because gum disease has been related to vascular disease which can be a cause of erectile dysfunction. While it doesn’t directly cause it, it puts men at a greater risk.

Can Cause Heart Disease

Researchers believe that since heart disease and periodontal disease are both chronic diseases that cause inflammation, the two may be related. Basically, one can lead to the other. It’s highly important to address any inflammation in your gums. omen Are Prone to Periodontal Disease at Every Age

Women are prone to gum disease at every age. Since they experience so much fluctuation in estrogen and progesterone, it can affect the gums. At each stage of life, they must be mindful of how their body changes affect their oral health.

If you are a woman, this is a look at how you can be affected during the different stages of your life:

During Your Teen Years

When you are a teenager, your hormones increase, particularly estrogen and progesterone. Your gums can become red, tender, and bleed when you brush or after chewing something hard. Generally, if you experience these issues in your early teen years, it will resolve as your hormone levels stabilize.

When You Have Your Cycle

While you are menstruating, you can experience swollen gums, lesions or canker sores. This is most prevalent in women that have a lot of plaque on their teeth or pockets of plaque in between their teeth and gums.

When You Are Pregnant

Since your hormones skyrocket during pregnancy, it can cause your gum tissue to be more sensitive to plaque buildup. Pregnant women can experience puffy, red, or tender gums that will bleed when you brush.

Some women can experience what’s called “pregnancy tumors”. These are not cancerous. The growths form between the teeth and are attributed to excess plaque. The tumors can be red, have a raspberry-like surface or look raw.

When You Take Birth Control Pills

One of the side effects of taking birth control pills is that the gums can become inflamed. This is due to the fact that oral contraceptives increase progesterone in your system. If you use birth control long term, you can experience bleeding, red gums, and swelling.

During Menopause Years

There are many changes that take place in your body during menopause. Some of these changes can happen in your mouth. For example, you may experience altered taste, dry mouth, sensitivity to hot or cold, or a burning sensation.

What is the Sign of Periodontal Disease?

Women are prone to periodontal disease because of their hormone changes and genetic makeup. These are some of the signs of gum disease:

• Puffiness
• Red or purple gums
• Tenderness
• Bleeding
• Gums that recede and cause your teeth to look longer
• Pus
• Bad breath
• Teeth that are loose
• Pain when you chew
• Teeth feel like they’ve moved

It is very important to have regular checkups to address early signs of periodontal disease.

How Plague Contributes to Gum Disease

Every time you eat, the bacteria in plaque can use the sugars in food to create acid. This acid can eat away at tooth enamel. As plaque builds up, it can cause decay of your teeth and gingivitis. Gingivitis is usually a precursor to gum disease.

When you treat Gingivitis, it can be reversed. However, if it goes untreated, it can lead to periodontitis, which is a severe form of gum disease. This occurs when the bacteria cause infections in your gums and bone.

How to Reduce Your Risks

Periodontal disease is preventable in many cases. To decrease your risks, you should follow these oral hygiene tips:

• Brush after meals
• Floss daily
• Use mouthwash to rinse away food particles
• Stop smoking
• Eat a healthy diet
• Have regular checkups

Good oral health routines can reduce your risk of periodontal disease. When you come in for a cleaning appointment, Dr. Roe will check your gums for warning signs of gingivitis and give you guidance on how to reverse it.

Call Today For a Dental Appointment

Get in touch with us today so we can schedule you for an appointment. Dr. Roe can perform a comprehensive exam and provide you with the treatment you need. We look forward to hearing from you.