What Causes Gum Disease?

Periodontal disease, or commonly known as gum disease, is a condition that affects the soft tissues in the mouth. If left untreated, the said complication can worsen and affect the bones as well. There are two types of gum disease, the reversible gingivitis, and the serious advanced periodontitis.

Gingivitis is the mildest form of gum disease. It can cause the gums to become red, swollen, and bleed easily. During this stage, an individual may experience little or no discomfort at all. The usual causes of gingivitis include inadequate oral hygiene—that said, considering the observance of proper at-home and professional care can serve as treatments.

Periodontitis, on the other hand, is a more advanced stage that may already affect a person’s bones. Leaving it untreated will cause the gums to recede—leading to the formation of deep gum pockets in which plaque and bacteria can accumulate. As it progresses, more of the bone tissues can be lost, and the gum pockets become even deeper, causing the teeth to become loose and fall out eventually.

What causes gum disease?

Gum disease is primarily caused by the accumulation of plaque that remains on the teeth due to the practice of improper oral hygiene. But aside from this, other factors can lead to the infection of the gums. We at Heresi Dental Care prepared this list for our patients to be more aware of their gum and overall oral health. Read on!

• Bad habits such as smoking or chewing of tobacco prevent the gum tissue from repairing itself.
• Hormonal changes in puberty, pregnancy, and menopause make the gums more sensitive. As a result, they become more vulnerable to gingivitis.
• Crooked, rotated, or overlapping teeth create more areas in the mouth where plaque and tartar can accumulate. These areas are much harder to keep clean; as a result, the person becomes more susceptible to gum infection.
• Cancer and cancer treatment make an individual vulnerable to infection—increasing their risk of developing gum disease.
• Anticonvulsant and anti-angina medications can lead to the abnormal growth of gum tissues, while other drugs can reduce the production of saliva, causing a person to become more vulnerable to gum disease.
• Consuming foods that are high in sugar and carbohydrates, as well as low water intake can increase the accumulation of plaque in the mouth. Inadequate intake of vitamin C will also undermine healing—both of these cases makes a person susceptible to the devastating gum disease.
• Stress is believed to impair the body’s immune response to bacterial invasion.

If you experience early signs of periodontal disease like the sudden bleeding of gums, bad breath, or loose teeth, contact our office at Heresi Dental Care for our Gum Disease Treatment in Fredericksburg, VA! Call or visit us to get started.