Also called gum disease, gingivitis and periodontitis are bacterial infections that affect the gum tissues. Gum disease has several stages accompanied by worse symptoms as they advance. The initial stage is normally painless and might be undetectable due to the faint warning signs, but the final stage of gum disease can be excruciating and eventually lead to tooth loss.
It’s essential to know the common causes of gum disease to prevent it from happening in the first place. So let’s discuss the causes of gum disease to give you the best shot at preventing it.
What causes gum disease?
Prevention is the best policy and better than cure, and all health specialists can agree with this. And to successfully prevent periodontal disease, an individual must understand its common causes. So we’ve gathered the five major causes of gum disease you need to take note of to guarantee you don’t develop it in the future.
1. Crooked teeth
If you have crowded, overlapping, or crooked teeth, you’re experiencing more than a cosmetic issue, as you could be prone to gum disease. When the teeth are too cramped, it’s tough to reach bacteria and plaque with tooth brushing or flossing, and if you have rotated or misaligned teeth, there could be spaces between your teeth where plaque buildup might take place. While it’s necessary to be diligent in brushing and flossing, you might benefit from utilizing dental aligners like Invisalign if you have difficulty flossing and brushing your teeth.
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2. Tobacco use
A healthy mouth has billions of balanced good and bad bacteria. However, chewing or smoking tobacco can disrupt the balance of bacteria in the mouth. This causes the bad bacteria to overtake the good, which evidently occurs in individuals who tolerate tobacco or cigarette use. Along with the increased risk of developing periodontal disease, utilizing tobacco generally causes:
- Oral cancer
- Slower healing
- Inability to taste and smell
- Stained teeth and tongue
3. Vaping
While vaping is viewed as a better or healthier option for smoking, studies prove it’s just as harmful to gum health as tobacco or cigarette smoking. According to a study, individuals who vape daily have higher infection-causing bacteria in their mouths than those who smoke cigarettes. Researchers claim that this might be triggered by the pressurized and heated liquids from vaping cartridges, which can transform the mouth into a breeding ground for bacteria.
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4. Plaque
Gum disease is frequently caused by plaque, a thick film of bacteria that forms on teeth and gums, which can be removed by rinsing, flossing, and brushing. If you have plaque and you think that might be causing your early signs of gum disease, you’re not alone, as countless adults are in the same situation as you. Fortunately, gum disease is preventable and reversible with healthy routines. Dental examinations and professional teeth cleaning are also key.
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5. Illnesses
Particular illnesses can affect your gum health. This includes conditions like cancer or HIV, which interfere with how the body’s immune system works. Since diabetes also disrupts the body’s ability to use blood sugar, people with this condition are at increased risk of contracting infections, including cavities and gum disease.
