Who Gets Gum Disease?
Everyone is susceptible to gum disease, but some people have factors that make them more likely to have gum disease than others. These are: Plaque and tartar – some people actually develop plaque and tartar more easily than others. As a consequence they tend to have more gum disease. Heredity – we all inherit a degree of resistance, some people are very resistant to gum disease, plaque, and tartar, and others are not. Medications – some medications reduce saliva, leaving a dry mouth. Without the cleansing and antibiotic effect of saliva, plaque and calculus can build up more easily. Alcohol may also decrease saliva. Smoking – smoking slows the gum s ability to heal. Smoking causes a decrease in blood supply to the gum and therefore its healing potential is diminished, so the bacteria can do more damage. Pregnancy – hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy, make the gum more susceptible to the damaging effects of plaque. Also, because of the hormonal changes, plaque grows easier dur
