What Causes Gum Disease?

Gum disease is an infection of the gums. The infection affects the gum tissue around your teeth and can lead to serious health problems. In fact, gum disease is the number one cause of tooth loss in adults.

The earliest signs of gum disease are red, swollen gums that bleed easily. As the disease progresses, the gums will pull away and form pockets that become infected. If left untreated, the pockets will continue to deepen, causing teeth to shift, loosen, or fall out.

Here are some common causes of gum disease:

Poor Oral Hygiene

Your oral hygiene routine at home is the main factor in the prevention of gum disease. This means you need to brush at least twice a day for two minutes at a time using a soft-bristled toothbrush. You also need to floss your teeth daily.

Visiting your dentist every six months for regular cleanings and checkups is also important. These appointments allow our team to look for early signs of gum disease and teach you about proper oral hygiene techniques.

Genetics

Genetics plays a role in gum disease. If your parents had poor oral hygiene, you might have inherited the bacteria that caused their gum disease. Visiting your dentist for regular checkups can help determine any signs of gum disease at its early stage and treat it accordingly.

Tobacco Use

If you’re a smoker, that is one of the most significant risk factors in developing periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is extremely aggressive and can progress rapidly. The toxins in tobacco products damage your gum and bone tissue. Inhaling the toxins in tobacco products can also increase your risk of oral cancer.

Illnesses and/or Medications

Certain illnesses or medications can also lead to gum disease. Talk to your doctor or dentist if you feel any irritation in your gums.

Poor Nutrition

What you eat and how often you eat can have an impact on your gum health. When you don’t eat a well-balanced diet, your body is deprived of the nutrients it needs to stay healthy. As a result, your immune system could be weakened, making you more susceptible to gum disorders like gum disease and gingivitis.

Aggressive Tooth Brushing

In aggressive tooth brushing, the gum line and tooth enamel are worn down. Since the gum line acts as a protective barrier against harmful bacteria, this causes gum disease.

Clenching and Grinding

Clenching and grinding your teeth, also called bruxism, are habits that can damage your oral health. Grinding your teeth wears down the enamel of your teeth, which exposes dentin, which is the inner layer of the tooth. Bacteria can then enter this layer and cause tooth decay or gum disease.

Bruxism is a term that refers to grinding or clenching your teeth.

If you or your partner are waking up with sore jaws, you may have bruxism. This happens when the jaw muscles can’t relax and contract while you sleep. If you wake up with pain, contact our office today. We can determine the cause of your pain and come up with a treatment plan.

Hormonal Changes During Pregnancy

Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause an increase in the flow of saliva. This can cause the gums to become swollen and sensitive.

The hormonal changes also cause the gums to become more prone to gingivitis. In addition to an increase in the flow of saliva, the hormones cause an increase in the level of inflammation.

You can visit our office at 3550 S 5600 W #3, Salt Lake City, UT 84120, and get to know our team here. For bookings, call us at (801) 966-3166.