{"id":495,"date":"2025-04-15T00:36:00","date_gmt":"2025-04-15T00:36:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wellesleydentalgroup.com\/blog\/?p=495"},"modified":"2025-05-15T00:37:48","modified_gmt":"2025-05-15T00:37:48","slug":"causes-of-gum-disease-in-older-adults","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wellesleydentalgroup.com\/blog\/2025\/04\/causes-of-gum-disease-in-older-adults\/","title":{"rendered":"What Causes Gum Disease in Older Adults? Can It Be Prevented?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Did you know that around 60% of adults aged 65 and over have some form of gum disease? Indeed, this condition is one of the most common health problems among older adults. And it is nothing to take lightly because it can increase the risk of numerous health complications, including heart problems and dementia. Why are seniors more vulnerable to gum disease<\/a>, and is there anything you can do to protect your smile as you age? This blog post shares some important information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Causes of Gum Disease in Older Adults<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Gum disease occurs when bacteria and plaque are allowed to flourish in the mouth. This leads to an infection of the gum tissue. Poor oral hygiene is often a major contributor to gum disease, but older adults have additional risk factors working against them, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n