Gingivitis is characterized by sore gums and bad breath. It can progress to periodontitis, a more advanced stage of gum disease if left untreated or very severe.
The process is started by plaque, a creamy bacterial covering on the teeth. If we do not clean and floss our teeth properly, our gums may quickly get red, swollen, and bleed. It is, however, reversible with expert treatment by a dentist near you and good oral hygiene at home.
To be able to properly treat and prevent gum disease, you must first be aware of its causes. Here are some of the common causes of gum disease.
What Are the Causes of Gum Diseases?
1. Poor Oral Hygiene
Poor oral hygiene allows plaque to develop on the teeth, which causes bacteria to multiply and produce toxins. The toxins then cause inflammation and irritation of the gum tissues and bones.
Not flossing regularly can cause the bacteria to build up between your teeth and the gum tissue, causing irritation and eventually disease.
2. Smoking and Drinking
Smoking and drinking are both shown to contribute to the development of periodontitis. They can lead to dry mouth and increase the severity of periodontitis.
3. Misaligned or Crooked Teeth That Are Hard to Clean
Teeth that are crooked or misaligned are hard to clean. Food and bacteria can be trapped in between the spaces of the teeth, which leads to periodontitis.
4. Having Diabetes
If you have diabetes, your gums may become infected more quickly because the disease can reduce your resistance to infection.
6. Poor Blood Circulation
Improper blood circulation causes a thickening of the gums, making gum tissues more susceptible to periodontitis.
7. Pregnancy
Pregnancy can cause gum disease to flare up. This is because hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause the mouth to dry out.
8. Medications
Medication can also cause periodontitis to flare up. This is usually caused by anti-inflammatory drugs, anabolic steroids, and drugs to treat depression.
9. Genetics
Certain conditions such as diabetes, anemia, and hyperthyroidism that run in the family are common causes of gum disease. If you have a family history of these ailments, you can be at risk for gum disease too.
What Are the Treatments for Gum Diseases?
In treating gum disease, the first thing to be done is to remove the plaque and bacteria on your teeth. This is best done through daily and proper dental cleaning.
Treatment varies depending on the severity of the gum disease, but it usually starts with scaling, which is done to clean away plaque. Scaling is generally done by a dental professional. The dentist will scrape off the plaque, which can be removed from the teeth by dental floss.
At home, brush your teeth with a soft toothbrush, preferably with fluoride toothpaste, and floss at least once a day. If you are using an electric toothbrush, you can increase the frequency of your brushing and flossing, as the device does much of the work for you.
Conclusion
Poor oral hygiene, smoking, and drinking are the main contributors to gum diseases. These diseases can be prevented by practicing proper oral hygiene at home. And if you’re dealing with gum disease, the best thing to do is consult your dentist for the proper intervention.
If you have the symptoms of gum disease, make an appointment with Dr. Thomas E. Cooke Family Dentistry, a Raleigh dentist. We provide exceptional dental care, from routine checkups and cleanings to significant tooth repair and replacement treatments.
