Causes of Gum Disease

Posted on: August 30, 2019

Gum disease is usually caused by severe plaque buildup and bacteria entering the gums, inflaming them. Without proper care, gum disease, otherwise known as gingivitis, can turn worse and cause periodontitis. Lack of care when you are someone with gum disease can lead to tooth decay and potentially losing teeth and jawbone dimension.

If you think you may be predisposed to having gum disease, here are some things to keep note of:

Smoking

It is a known fact that smoking causes cancer, as well as many other deadly diseases. But many of us might not know that it can also cause gum diseases. It has been shown that tobacco users (smokers and those who chew tobacco) are most prone to periodontitis. Smoking not just cigarettes but even cigars or a pipe is equally dangerous to periodontal health. Even after the treatment for the diseases is started, smoking cigarettes will hinder the healing process.

Genetics

Studies have shown that as high as 30% of the whole population may have hereditary trace of periodontitis. These unlucky percentages of people are six times more at risk of getting gum disease even if they take good care of their teeth and gum. These people can however get preventive care beforehand by finding out if they have genetic traces of the gum diseases.

Stress

Stress is something that has been a link to many diseases. The reason stress is a cause for diseases is because stress is a trigger to the brain. If you are prone to high levels of stress, your brain sends signals to your whole body, which controls diseases like hypertension and cancer. Because stress is so closely tied to the body, it is why it’s one of the causes for gum disease. When you are overly stressed, your body has a hard time fighting off diseases.

Medicines

If you have ever wondered why your dentist asks about medicines you take, they may be the cause of gum disease. Medicines like oral contraceptives, anti-depressants, medicine for cancer treatment and some heart medicines can cause the gum disease. It is important for you to inform your dentist of all the medicine you are taking for other illnesses too, for this reason.