Also referred to as gum disease, gingivitis and periodontitis are bacterial infections that impact the gum tissues. Gum disease has numerous stages accompanied by worse symptoms as they progress. The initial stage is normally painless and might be unnoticeable due to the faint warning signs, but the final stage of gum disease can be excruciating and eventually cause tooth loss.
It’s vital to know the common causes of gum disease to prevent it from occurring in the first place. So let’s discuss the causes of gum disease to give you the best shot at preventing it.
What causes gum disease?
Prevention is the best policy and better than cure, and all health specialists can agree with this. And to effectively prevent periodontal disease, an individual must know its typical causes. So we’ve specified the five major causes of gum disease you must take note of to ensure you don’t develop it in the future.
1. Plaque
Gum disease is often caused by plaque, a thick film of bacteria that forms on teeth and gums, which can be removed by rinsing, flossing, and brushing. If you have plaque and you think that might be causing your early symptoms of gum disease, you’re not alone, as millions of adults are in the same case as you. Fortunately, gum disease is preventable and reversible with healthy habits. Dental checkups and professional teeth cleaning are also key.
2. Tobacco use
A healthy mouth has billions of balanced good and bad bacteria. However, chewing or smoking tobacco can interrupt the balance of bacteria in the mouth as this causes the bad bacteria to overtake the good, which occurs evidently in individuals who tolerate tobacco or cigarette use. Along with the increased risk of developing periodontal disease, using tobacco often leads to:
- Oral cancer
- Slower healing
- Inability to taste and smell
- Stained teeth and tongue
3. Vaping
While vaping is viewed as a much better or healthier alternative to smoking, studies prove it’s just as hazardous to gum health as tobacco or cigarette smoking. According to a study, people who vape daily have higher infection-causing bacteria in their mouths than those who smoke cigarettes. Researchers claim that this might be caused by the heated and pressurized liquids from vaping cartridges, which can transform the mouth into a breeding place for bacteria.
Are you missing two or more teeth? You should consider getting dentures Medicine Hat to prevent losing any more teeth.
4. Crooked teeth
If you have overlapping, crowded, or crooked teeth, you’re experiencing more than a cosmetic issue, as you could be susceptible to gum disease. When the teeth are too cramped, it’s tough to reach bacteria and plaque with tooth brushing or flossing, and if you have rotated or misaligned teeth, there could be spaces between your teeth where plaque accumulation might occur. If your crooked teeth are causing you pain, you may book an appointment with an orthodontist to have your braces Grand Prairie and your condition addressed.
Children are no exception to the dental conditions mentioned above. So if you notice any dental issues with your child, take them to a pediatric dentist Pickering to fix their teeth.
5. Illnesses
Particular health problems can impact your gum health. This includes conditions like cancer or HIV, which interfere with how the body’s immune system works. Since diabetes also disrupts the body’s ability to utilize blood sugar, individuals with this condition are at increased risk of contracting infections, including cavities and gum disease.
