What are the Main Causes of Gum Disease?

Gum disease is a condition that affects the tissues in and around your teeth. Most commonly, gum disease is characterized by swollen and bleeding gums, sore or loose teeth, red or yellow tartar on the teeth, and bad breath. However, while these symptoms may be most noticeable at the surface of your mouth, they are actually caused by an infection deep inside your gums.

A dentist with dental practice in Powell, TN, can help you discover the underlying cause of your symptoms and provide proper treatment. You can count on experienced dentists who will provide you with excellent dental care and personal attention.

We will now see into the main causes of gum disease.

• Poor dental hygiene

If you are not practicing good dental hygiene, chances are you will have gum disease. This is due to the fact that brushing and flossing the teeth regularly helps to remove plaque from your teeth and gums. Furthermore, you should also use a toothpick after every meal to remove any food debris that may end up in the cracks of your teeth. If you have not been brushing your teeth properly, expect to have gum disease.

• Use of tobacco

If you use tobacco in any form, you are most likely to have gum disease. Tobacco not only stains the teeth, but it also irritates the gums. This can lead to gum disease and even tooth loss.

• Genetic predisposition

There is a genetic component to gum disease. This means that if your parents or grandparents had gum disease, you are prone to have it as well. Studies have shown that up to 90% of the population that has gum disease has a family history of it.

• Pregnancy and menopause

During pregnancy and menopause, the hormonal changes that occur in the body can cause gum disease. So, if you are a woman in these stages of your life and you develop gum disease, expect to see even worse symptoms.

• Chronic stress and poor diet

In addition to the effects of stress on overall health, dental health can also be impacted by chronic stress. And in particular, stress can increase the plaque in your mouth and decrease your body’s ability to fight off gum disease.

• Diabetes and underlying medical issues

Diabetes is a condition that can cause gum disease by making it harder for the body to fight off infections in the mouth. It can also make it harder for your body to heal and repair damaged gums. Hypothyroidism can also be a cause of gum disease.