What Are the Causes of Gum Disease?

A periodontal infection happens when the bacteria in your mouth create a plaque that hardens into tartar, which attaches to the teeth. This bacteria can cause gum disease and tooth loss if not treated early. Gingivitis is the first stage of periodontal infection, which is treatable with a thorough professional cleaning. However, if left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis.

There are three stages of periodontal disease: gingivitis, periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis. After treating the early stages of the disease, patients will then need additional treatment, such as scaling and root planing or gum surgery to treat advanced periodontitis.

Good oral health habits are the best prevention against gum disease. Brushing and flossing your teeth at least twice a day helps prevent the buildup of bacteria and discoloration on your teeth. Be sure to visit your dentist for regular checkups every six months for a professional cleaning and exam. Your dentist can diagnose any signs of disease and help you get the treatment you need.

The risk factors that result in gum disease are:

Poor Oral Hygiene

Not brushing and flossing daily is the most common cause of gum disease. Plaque builds up on your teeth every day, and regular dental hygiene is needed to remove it. If you don’t remove plaque regularly, it will slowly build up along your gum line, causing your gums to become inflamed. Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease that can be treated through improved hygiene habits.

Diabetes

Diabetes causes blood sugar to rising, which damages blood vessels and tissue in your mouth. This can cause infections to develop in your gums, leading to chronic periodontal disease. To help prevent diabetes from harming your oral health, make sure you are taking the proper medication for your condition and get regular checkups and cleanings.

Smoking

Smoking is the leading cause of periodontal disease. The toxins in cigarettes, cigars, and pipes can weaken the bone and gum tissues over time. Smokers are more likely to develop gum disease than non-smokers.

Additionally, the smoke from tobacco can stain your teeth. Even if you brush your teeth often, this will not remove the stains completely. Some types of tobacco use also increase your risk of mouth cancer.

If you do smoke or use tobacco products, it’s important to talk to your dentist about quitting or cutting back. Your dentist can help you create a plan to quit smoking or start using less tobacco.

Genetics

Genetics plays a role in the development of gum disease, but it is not the only factor. Even if your parents had gum disease, you might not have it yourself. Your genetics only influence your susceptibility to the disease, not whether or not you will develop it. Other factors are at play as well.

In fact, even if you do have a family history of gum disease, you can prevent it from developing into a serious health problem by maintaining good oral hygiene practices and visiting the dentist for regular checkups and cleanings.

Hormonal Changes

Did you know that hormonal changes in your body can cause dry mouth? When women are pregnant or going through menopause, blood flow to the gums is decreased, and saliva production is reduced. A dry mouth allows bacteria to multiply in your mouth, which will eventually lead to gum disease. 

Our dental practice is equipped with the best cosmetic dentists and modern technologies that enable the best dental care for patients. For any queries relating to gum disease, call Colorado Wellness Dentistry at (303) 798-1068 or visit us at 9085 E Mineral Cir #220, Centennial, CO 80112.