This study evaluated 1,775 patients who had 3,694 teeth extracted in an effort to determine commonalities between each patient have lost teeth. What they found was that more teeth per patient were lost as a result of gum disease than any other cause with periodontal disease accounting for the majority of extracted teeth in patients over 35.

They then used this data to compile six risk factors that increase your chances for developing gum disease. These factors include:

• Age – where the majority of missing teeth in patients over 35 can be attributed to gum disease
• Gender – with the greater proportion of patients who lost their teeth due to periodontal disease were men
• Smoking – both current and past smokers accounted for 31 percent
• Lack of professional maintenance – out of the total number of patients studied 39 percent of them stated that they had never had a periodontal visit
• Inadequate oral hygiene – out of the patients evaluated only 16 percent reported brushing two or more times daily and 60 percent reported they either never brushed or used a tooth brush irregularly
• Health factors – diabetes mellitus, hypertension, rheumatoid arthritis, and anterior tooth type

Know what factors increase your risks can empower you to stay ahead of your oral health. Regular brushing and flossing may be your most powerful tool in prevention but won’t do the job alone. Keeping your regular dental appointments and adding in a regular periodontal exam will help keep you in the lead of harmful bacteria that causes gum disease.

Don’t forget to closely observe your mouth each day for early signs of gum disease including; red or swollen gums, persistent bad breath, loose teeth, and gums pulling away from your teeth.

Prevention is always easier than treatment. Educate yourself on how to best prevent gum disease and then take action immediately. But don’t beat yourself up if you start to notice signs of gum disease. Instead remember early intervention is critical.

If you’ve received a referral for a Periodontist Long Island Dr. Scharf treats gum disease with a laser, not a scalpel, for people who want an alternative to gum surgery call Dr. Scharf at 631-661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com.

This woman saw Long Island Periodontist David Scharf  for a gum graft.  Watch to the end to hear her important message to anyone who lets their dental  health go because they feel they are too old.