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Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an oral health condition that causes inflammation of the gums. Gum disease is caused by plaque buildup around your teeth that irritates your gums. Plaque contains bacteria that irritate your gums and causes them to pull away from your teeth. Here are some of the causes of gum disease:

Bacterial Plaque

In addition to causing tooth decay, bacteria in plaque also cause gum disease, which is also called periodontitis. When you don’t properly take care of your teeth by brushing and flossing regularly, food particles stay in your mouth longer, allowing bacteria to multiply and produce toxins that irritate the gums.

Bacteria can then spread below the gum line and cause inflammation that can lead to infection and even tooth loss. If left untreated, teeth may become loose and have to be removed. Regular checkups and cleanings can help catch and treat early signs of periodontal disease before it leads to serious complications.

Hormonal Changes

There are two major hormones that can affect the health of your gums and cause gum disease: progesterone and estrogen. These hormones are produced by the body at specific times, causing changes to occur in the body. Estrogen causes gums to swell and can make them tender, while progesterone increases blood flow to the gums. Without proper dental care, these two hormones can lead to inflammation in the teeth and gums, as well as contribute to plaque buildup or gingivitis.

Many women experience hormonal changes during pregnancy that can cause oral health issues for the mother-to-be. This can cause increased bleeding of the gums during and after brushing, which can cause the buildup of bacteria on the teeth and along the gumline. This can lead to more risks for tooth decay and gum disease. It is important to practice good oral hygiene and maintain regular dental cleanings to help prevent these issues from occurring.

Tobacco Use

People who smoke cigarettes and cigars are at a much higher risk of developing gum disease. Cigars and cigarettes contain chemicals that can increase bacteria growth in the mouth, leading to plaque buildup on the teeth. This can result in gum inflammation and eventually lead to periodontitis if left untreated. Cigarette smokers are six times more likely to develop periodontitis than non-smokers.

Additionally, tobacco use affects the body’s ability to heal itself. When gums become inflamed due to smoking, the body is unable to fight the infection adequately. The effects of periodontal disease can continue to worsen until the smoker quits using tobacco products.

Smoking cessation can greatly improve the chances of reversing the damage caused by periodontal disease. For patients who quit smoking, their risk of bone loss decreases within a year of their quitting date. Those who continue smoking after their diagnosis continue to experience the same symptoms as before.

Certain Medications

Some medicines can cause dry mouth, which makes it more difficult to keep your mouth clean. This can happen with antihistamines, decongestants, painkillers, and diuretics. A dry mouth can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.

You can have your medications adjusted by your doctor to minimize the effect they have on your mouth. But there are also over-the-counter products that can help relieve the symptoms of dry mouth. 

Genetics

It seems that having a family history of gum disease can increase your risk of developing it too. This is often true because genetics may play a large role in how susceptible you are to gum disease, but other factors can still come into play.

For example, if your parents had gum disease due to not practicing proper oral hygiene routines and habits, then you probably will too. But if you have siblings who are still cavity free into their 30s or 40s, this indicates that your oral health is likely more affected by lifestyle choices than genetic factors. 

To learn more about our dental services at Cory L. Crouse, DMD LLC, call 808-487-3033 or schedule an online consultation. You can also visit us at 99-128 Aiea Heights #603, Aiea, HI 96701.