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Causes of Gum Disease

Posted by Danielle Wehle Jan 26,2023

Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is an infection of the gum tissue that can lead to tooth loss. If left untreated, it can cause bone and tooth loss. Gum disease affects about 75% of adults over the age of 35, but many are unaware they have it.

Poor oral hygiene

Not brushing your teeth regularly can lead to gingivitis, which is the first stage of gum disease. If left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, which can destroy gums and teeth. Other causes of periodontal disease include tobacco use, poor nutrition, hormonal changes, certain medications, genetic factors, illnesses like diabetes, and dry mouth.

The warning signs of gum disease include red and swollen gums that bleed easily when brushed or flossed. Gum disease can also cause chronic bad breath, loose teeth, tender mouth sores, receding gum line, sensitive teeth, and increased tooth mobility. If you notice any of these symptoms, come in for an exam so your dentist can diagnose and treat the condition before it progresses.

Tobacco use

Smoking causes a number of oral health issues, including gum disease. In addition to increasing the risk of plaque and tartar buildup, smoking affects how your body responds to infection. Your immune system becomes weakened, making it harder to fight infections like gum inflammation. This makes it easier for bacteria to flourish and spread below the gum line. Additionally, tobacco increases your risk for oral cancer and other cancers that affect the mouth. For all of these reasons and more, quitting tobacco use is one of the best things you can do for your oral health.

Unfortunately, it’s common for people to experience withdrawal symptoms when they try to quit using tobacco products. That’s why you should seek support from friends and family members as you go through the difficult process of quitting. It can also help to seek professional support. Talk to your dentist about options for stopping tobacco use. They may refer you to a support group or prescribe medication to help with your withdrawal.

-Dr. Travis Stork, The Doctors TV Show

Author Bio: Dr. Travis Stork is a practicing physician, medical reporter, author, and motivational speaker. He is best known for his appearances on The Doctors and The Dr. Oz Show. Dr. Stork has authored several books and is a contributor to the Huffington Post Healthy Living section. Check out this episode to learn more about the effects of smoking on your health.

Author Info: This post was written by a guest contributor. Please see their details in the post above. If you'd like to guest post for us, please visit our Health Experts page and our Guest Blog Submission Guidelines page. You can also learn more about our writers and how to contact them here. If you're a healthcare professional and are interested in writing a guest post for HealthTap, please see our healthcare writing guidelines.

Genetics

There are many risk factors that can lead to gum disease, but some people are simply more predisposed to it than others. Your genetic code can play an important role in your likelihood of developing gum disease. If it runs in your family to have gum problems, you may be at a higher risk than someone who does not have that history in their family. You should visit your dentist regularly for cleanings to keep your gums healthy.

Tags: Family Dentist, Dentistry Tips, Preventative Dentistry

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Dental tips are important to us! That’s why we’ve created this section of our practice to help you learn more about dentistry. We want all our patients to be informed and knowledgeable about their dental health. If you have any questions or if you’d like to schedule an appointment with us, feel free to contact our office today. We look forward to your visit!

Oral care is just as important for pets as it is for humans. In fact, some pet owners should be even more vigilant about maintaining their pet’s oral health, since animals don’t brush or floss their teeth. Maintaining your pet’s oral hygiene prevents a variety of health problems and can improve your animal’s overall quality of life. Here are some tips for maintaining your pet’s oral health:

1. Schedule regular cleanings and checkups with your veterinarian. Just like humans, pets need to go to the veterinarian for regular checkups and cleanings. These visits keep your pet’s mouth clean and free from infection, and they give your animal the chance to have any potential dental issues addressed. That helps keep them healthy and ensures that they continue to have a happy life with you for years to come.

2. Brush your pet’s teeth daily if possible. Sometimes it’s not possible to brush an animal’s teeth every day, especially dogs. However, it is a good idea to try to clean them at least a few times a week. For cats, you can stick a finger into their mouth to gently scrub the teeth

Hormonal changes

Your hormones go up and down, and these hormonal fluctuations can lead to gum disease. This can happen during your teenage years or after menopause.

During puberty, your hormone levels increase significantly. This can lead to the gums becoming inflamed, which can make them more likely to bleed when you brush. Braces can make the problem worse as well. Teenage girls are more likely to have gum disease than teenage boys.

Hormone levels also typically decrease during menopause. The decrease in estrogen can cause inflammation in the gum tissues. This makes your gums more likely to become infected because of poor oral hygiene.

During both phases of life, it’s important to see your dentist for regular cleanings and checkups. This will help catch any problems early so you can get treatment before it gets worse →

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Oral Health Tips for Winter Holidays
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Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums. This is generally a reversible condition and is signified by red, swollen gums that may bleed easily. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease, but if left untreated, it may progress to periodontitis. POOR ORAL HYGIENE If you do not brush and floss your teeth regularly, plaque can build up and cause gum disease. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that sticks to your teeth and causes tooth decay. Regular brushing is important to remove plaque from your teeth and keep it from building up in the crevice between the teeth and gums. Flossing is also essential to removing food that is stuck between teeth and along the gum line. Without proper dental care, plaque can build up and lead to some form of gum disease. TOBACCO USE Tobacco use is the leading cause of gum disease, according to the CDC. Smoking cigarettes and chewing tobacco are both linked to gum recession and the development of oral lesions such as leukoplakias and cancers of the mouth, tongue, cheeks, gums, lips, and throat. In addition, tobacco use is linked with tooth decay, bad breath, and many other oral health issues. If you smoke or use other tobacco products, consider quitting as soon as possible. Talk to your dentist about resources to help you quit. GENETICS Some patients may be genetically predisposed to gum disease even without practicing poor oral care habits. However, if a patient's genes do work against them, this does not mean that they have to resign themselves to tooth loss and gum recession. There are some genetic factors that can increase a person's risk of periodontal disease, but there are also a number of ways that patients can reduce their risk through proper dental care routines.  HORMONAL CHANGES Your hormones go up and down, and these hormonal fluctuations can lead to gum disease. This can happen during your teenage years or after menopause. During puberty, your hormone levels increase significantly. This can lead to the gums becoming inflamed, which can make them more likely to bleed when you brush. Braces can make the problem worse as well. Teenage girls are more likely to have gum disease than teenage boys. Hormone levels also typically decrease during menopause. The decrease in estrogen can cause inflammation in the gum tissues. This makes your gums more likely to become infected because of poor oral hygiene. Get in touch with Willow Glen Dental Care at 1600 Willow St, Suite 203, San Jose, CA 95125, or call (408) 978-0911 to learn more about dental services. 

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