Various types of factors associated with gum disease in our Brentwood area patients

About 75 percent of American adults experience gum disease is some form or fashion. With age, this problem can become an increased concern, potentially developing into periodontal disease. The problem with gum disease is that the early signs of infection are so slight that treatment may not be obtained early enough to prevent damage. As much as 40 percent of gum disease cases are untreated either due to lack of recognition of symptoms or, in some cases, lack of understanding about gum disease.

Gum disease affects all different types of people, only about 30 percent of which are predisposed due to heredity. There are several other factors, however, that have been linked to the development of gum disease or an increased risk, which we discuss with patients in our Brentwood dental practice.

• Our age directly relates to the potential issues we may face with our oral health and general health. As we age, our risk of gum disease tends to rise. Statistics show that as much as 86 percent of the senior population has advanced gum disease. Many of these patients have even experienced tooth loss as a result of infection in the gums and periodontal ligament.


• Smoking is a habit that has an immense impact on health. Orally, tobacco use is directly linked to gum disease, as well as oral cancer. Nicotine within tobacco products depletes tissues of oxygen. Irritation from chemical substances also leads to inflammation and excess cytokines in the body, which leads to connective tissue damage.


• Hormones are an important part of a variety of functions in the body. Fluctuations in hormones, however, can affect the oral balance, leading to an increased risk of gum disease. Adolescent girls, women taking hormone-altering contraceptives, and pregnant women, in particular, may experience hormone-influenced gingivitis.

Dr. Alkhoury is an experienced dentist who helps his patients recognize potential risk factors for gum disease during routine dental check-ups. In our office, we provide preventive care as well as restorative treatment is gum disease has been identified as a problem. To attend to your oral health needs, contact our office today.