Randomly stumbled on this fact today—apparently, the older we get, the higher our chances of gum disease. Kinda makes sense, I guess, but never really thought about it before. Anyone else heard something similar or know why exactly that happens?
You're right, age can definitely play a role, but it's not just age itself causing gum issues. I've seen plenty of older patients with perfectly healthy gums. Often, it's more about cumulative factors—like years of plaque buildup, lifestyle habits (smoking, diet), or even certain medications that dry out the mouth. Plus, our immune response naturally weakens a bit as we age, making gums more susceptible. So yeah, age matters, but it's not the whole picture...keeping consistent oral hygiene routines can make a huge difference.
That's a really good point about cumulative factors. My son had some gum sensitivity issues even at a young age, and our dentist emphasized consistent brushing and flossing. It made a noticeable difference...so age isn't everything, habits matter a lot too.
Good habits definitely help, but honestly, age can still play a sneaky role. I've seen patients who've brushed and flossed religiously their whole lives, yet still notice their gums getting fussier as they hit their 50s or 60s. Genetics, hormonal changes, medications...lots of stuff can factor in. So yeah, habits matter big-time, but sometimes your gums just decide to get grumpy anyway. It's not always fair, but staying consistent at least gives you a fighting chance.
