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Abby's Magazine - September/October 2015 | Page 19 •Diabetes. People with diabetes are at higher risk for developing infections, including gum disease. •Other illnesses and their treatments. Diseases such as AIDS and its treatments can also negatively affect the health of gums, as can treatments for cancer. •Medications. There are hundreds of prescription and over the counter medications that can reduce the flow of saliva, which has a protective effect on the mouth. Without enough saliva, the mouth is vulnerable to infections such as gum disease. And some medicines can cause abnormal overgrowth of the gum tissue; this can make it difficult to keep teeth and gums clean. •Genetic susceptibility. Some people are more prone to severe gum disease than others. People usually don't show signs of gum disease until they are in their 30s or 40s. Men are more likely to have gum disease than women. Although teenagers rarely develop periodontitis, they can develop gingivitis, the milder form of gum disease. Most commonly, gum disease develops when plaque is allowed to build up along and under the gum line. Symptoms of gum disease include: •Bad breath that won't go away •Red or swollen gums •Tender or bleeding gums •Painful chewing •Loose teeth •Sensitive teeth •Receding gums or longer appearing teeth Any of these symptoms may be a sign of a serious problem, which should be checked by a dentist. At your dental visit the dentist or hygienist should: • Ask about your medical history to identify underlying conditions or risk factors (such as smoking) that may contribute to gum disease. • Examine your gums and note any signs of inflammation. • Use a tiny ruler called a "probe" to check for and measure any pockets. In a healthy mouth, the depth of these pockets is usually between 1 and 2 millimeters. This test for pocket depth is usually painless. How can I keep my teeth and gums healthy? • Brush your teeth twice a day. • Floss regularly to remove plaque from between teeth. Or use a device such as a special brush or wooden or plastic pick recommended by a dental professional. • Visit the dentist routinely for a check-up and professional cleaning. • Don't smoke Gum disease can cause health problems beyond the mouth In some studies, researchers have observed that people with gum disease (when compared to people without gum disease) were more likely to develop heart disease or have difficulty controlling blood sugar. Other studies showed that women with gum disease were more likely than those with healthy gums to deliver preterm, low birth weight babies.