Gum Infections Occur in All Ages
Whatever age group you belong to, you are at risk for developing all kinds of oral and dental diseases. Children and teens think that their teeth is strong, and that it’s only the adults that get a gum infection. Older ones tend to think that children and teens are more prone to them, because of their unhealthy diet and carefree lifestyle, and their adamant wishes of avoiding the dentist at all cost. The thing is, every age range face different challenges in overseeing oral hygiene, and maintaining their teeth and gums healthy.
There are a lot of studies made by dental specialists about the alarming rate of periodontal diseases found in groups of older people. In a thorough study of 1,000 people, the researchers have found that in patients over the age of 50, 60% to 65% of them have varying levels of periodontitis. 60 years old and older, over 77% have lost almost all their teeth.
In that research, it was concluded that older people have major problems in receding gums and tooth loss. This is why there is a high usage of dentures and the like. Though tooth loss is directly due to some infection, some indirect causes are due to lack of proper nutrition, contributing to lowered vitamins to keep the gums and teeth healthy. Older people have restricted diets, and some have developed an addictive vice or two, usually smoking or drinking, that hastens the deterioration of the health of the teeth and gums.
Another age range are the kids and teens, and their overall dental and oral health. There is a general impression that the young ones have stronger enamel and healthier sets of gums, but do kids get gum infections, too?
The major cause for gum disease in children is the build up and layering of plaque on the teeth and gums. Particularly, the build up is because of food debris that remain on the teeth and even in between them. Since plaque contains bacteria that produce various toxins, these are the root for infection, as the bacteria starts to damage and harm the gums.
Aside from diseases, there are also other oral problems that both kids and teens suffer from, and all of them stemming from poor oral hygiene. Several common ones include bad breath, caused by bacteria from food particles left on the mouth that become rotten over time if not brushed and flossed away. Another is cavities, another result of bacterial infection in the mouth. This is so prevalent that even small children and infants with baby teeth have them! The cavities lead to demineralization of the teeth, accompanied by pain once the infection spreads and destroys the enamel.
