Everyone wants to have a beautiful smile full of healthy, white teeth. However, there’s more to oral health than just having a bright smile. In addition to visiting your dentist near Bel Air every six months, you should brush your teeth twice per day and floss on a daily basis. This combination of professional and at-home oral care will help keep tooth decay and gum disease at bay. Gum disease can be painful and damaging to your oral health, as it could lead to tooth loss if it is left to progress unchecked. Keep reading to learn about the risk factors for gum disease and what you can do lower your risk.
Age
While there are some risk factors for gum disease that you and your dentist can control, there are others that you just can’t. As you grow older, you are at a greater risk for gum disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 75 percent of people in the U.S. ages 65 and older have gum disease. Make sure that you are 
visiting your periodontist regularly if you have a history of or signs of gum disease.
Smoking
It is widely known that smoking and using other forms of tobacco is dangerous for your health, and your oral health is no exception. Smoking greatly increases your risk of periodontal disease, and using tobacco can exacerbate any gum disease that is already present. Additionally, if you continue to smoke, it will be much more difficult to treat gum disease in a successful manner.
Genetics
If you have a family history of gum disease, you may be at a greater risk of developing it yourself. That’s why it’s important to discuss your medical history with your dentist, as a preventive treatment plan can help lower your risk of gum disease.
Stress
Stress can take a physical toll on your body as well as mental and emotional tolls. Studies have shown that high levels of stress make it harder for your body to fight off infections, which can include periodontal disease. Work on reducing your stress levels to improve your oral health as well as your overall outlook.