Gum disease can affect people of all ages, but adults over the age of 30 are particularly vulnerable. According to Perio.com, roughly 50% of adults age 30 and above have some form of gum disease. If you are still in your 20s and don’t want to fall within this statistic, here are some preventative measures that you can take.
Avoid Sharing Toothbrushes
If you find yourself living in a roommate situation while in your 20s, you should keep your toothbrush away from your housemates. To prevent other people from using your toothbrush on accident, you should store it in a space that’s designated for your personal belongings.
Sharing a toothbrush promotes the spread of germs and bacteria that can cause tooth decay and gum disease. These germs and bacteria may cause inflammation of the gums, which can make you further susceptible to gum disease.
Visit the Dentist Regularly
You’re never too old to go to the dentist. Preventative dental care is key to avoiding the onset of gum disease. Making a habit of seeing a dentist every six months will help you keep your teeth and gums healthy as you grow older.
During each appointment, your dentist can check to see if your gums are still healthy. If there is evidence of any early gum disease, additional measures can be taken to reverse the process. Your teeth and gums can also receive deep cleanings with special instruments that are designed to remove germs, bacteria and plaque buildups.
Refrain From Tobacco Use
Tobacco use is one of the biggest culprits for causing gum disease and should be avoided at all cost. Both smoking and chewing tobacco can be bad for your oral health. Some of the most well-known tobacco products that you should avoid include cigarettes, cigars and smokeless tobacco.
The reason why tobacco is particularly harmful for your gums is because it lowers your body’s immune response. A weakened immune system makes it more difficult for your body to fight off infections that can lead to gum disease. The CDC states that if you use tobacco, you have twice the risk of gum disease compared to a non-tobacco user.
Drink in Moderation
Many people in their 20s are known to consume alcohol. While having a few drinks on occasion is generally okay, drinking too much alcohol can wreak havoc on your gums.
The drying effects of alcohol can inhibit saliva production, which provides the perfect breeding ground for germs and bacteria to harm the gums. This drying effect also promotes additional plaque growth. Alcohol can irritate the gums and cause infections that hasten the onset of gum disease.
Starting early in your quest to prevent gum disease can help you avoid this common oral health condition. Doing what is right for your gums can set you apart from many other adults who end up getting gum disease.
