What Are the Causes of Gum Disease?

Gum disease is an infection of the gums caused by plaque buildup. Gum disease is mild at first and can go unnoticed as it develops. The bacteria that cause gum disease feed on the plaque, which causes an infection in the gums.

It causes irritation and bleeding in the gums. When left untreated, it can lead to the gums receding from the teeth, leading to loose teeth. It can also lead to tooth decay and tooth loss.

Risk factors for gum disease include:

Poor Oral Hygiene

When food particles and bacteria build up in your mouth, it forms a sticky, acidic substance called plaque. Bacteria can then invade the gums and cause gingivitis, the mildest form of gum disease. If left untreated, the bacteria can move underneath the gum line and cause periodontitis.

The best way to prevent gum disease from developing is to brush and floss your teeth regularly, especially after meals. You should also visit your dentist twice a year for checkups and cleanings.

Tobacco Use

Tobacco use is the leading cause of gum disease. It reduces the blood flow in your mouth, which interferes with the healing process. It can also cause the gum tissue to pull away from the teeth and form pockets. This makes gum disease more difficult to treat.

Tobacco use includes smoking cigarettes, e-cigarettes, chewing tobacco, or using snuff.

Genetics

Genetics can play a role in how susceptible you are to gum disease. However, genetics only accounts for about 40% of why you’re at risk for gum disease.

That’s because there are a number of other factors, such as lifestyle habits and oral hygiene. With proper dental care and treatment, you can prevent gum disease or catch it early on.

Hormonal Changes

Hormonal changes, such as pregnancy or menopause, can cause your gums to become inflamed and bleed. The hormonal changes that occur during the stages of pregnancy and menopause can cause the gums to become inflamed and bleed.

Pregnancy and Menopause

Gum disease often affects women around menopause and during pregnancy. During pregnancy, hormonal changes can cause gum tissue to swell. During menopause, hormonal changes can also cause gum tissue to swell. Swollen gum tissue can lead to gum disease.

Certain Medications

Certain medications can cause dry mouth, which can then contribute to gum disease. For example, some antihistamines can cause dry mouth, as can some blood pressure medications. If you’re concerned about your medications and your risk for gum disease, ask your dentist if there’s something you can do.

Other Health Conditions

Gum disease can be a symptom of other health conditions. It is important to seek medical care and treatment for these conditions in addition to seeking care for gum disease. For example, poorly controlled diabetes can lead to a host of health problems, including gum disease. This is because diabetes impairs the body’s ability to fight off infection, and gum disease is a bacterial infection.

Poor Nutrition

The body needs many vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients to remain healthy and feel good. Without proper nutrients, the body’s immune system suffers and won’t be able to fight infections like gum disease.

Without proper nutrients, the body’s immune system suffers and won’t be able to fight infections like gum disease.

Mt. Pleasant Family Dental, located in Mt Pleasant, TX, is equipped with the best dentists and modern amenities that enable the best dental care facilities for patients. Call us at (903) 345-6065 and schedule an appointment with the dentist to know more about dental treatments provided at the dental practice.