What Are Common Causes of Gum Disease?

Gum Disease Troy, MI

Gum disease is one of the most popular reasons people seek dental care. It is a gum infection that can lead to teeth falling out of their sockets when left untreated. Also known as periodontal disease, it occurs in two distinct stages: gingivitis and periodontitis.

Common causes of gum disease

Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease, and it is characterized by symptoms like bleeding, tender, or inflamed gum tissues. At this stage, the patient’s condition can be reversed with improved oral hygiene, teeth cleaning, and deep cleanings.

Periodontitis is the advanced stage of gum disease, and the infection is chronic at this stage. The condition has also been linked to various health issues like diabetes, heart disease, and pneumonia. Periodontitis is the leading cause of adult tooth loss. It causes permanent damage to the gum and bone structures that keep teeth in place.

Some of the factors that can lead to periodontal disease include:

1. Plaque and tartar build-up

Plaque is a sticky film that forms in the mouth. It contains bacteria and the acids they make that cause tooth decay. Good oral hygiene is essential to remove plaque since it hardens into tartar when left on teeth for more than a day. Brushing and flossing cannot get rid of tartar; dentists get rid of these deposits during teeth cleanings using a metal tool called a scaler.

Tartar and plaque can make their way to teeth roots and gum pockets, infecting the tissues there. The immune system’s response to the infection of gum tissues leads to many of the symptoms associated with gum disease, like receding and inflamed gums.

2. Chewing or smoking tobacco products

Chewing or smoking tobacco products hinders the regular function of tissues in the gum, making them more vulnerable to bacterial infections. Quitting these products provides significant protection against periodontal disease.

3. Hormonal changes

Women are more susceptible to gum disease during their monthly cycles or pregnancies. Hormonal changes, like those that occur during pregnancy, do not automatically mean a person will develop gum disease; it just means they have to take extra steps to protect themselves, like improving their oral hygiene and seeing their dentist more often. Some women experience temporary symptoms of gum disease like bleeding gums during their pregnancy.

4. Medication

Some medications dry out the mouth. This creates a more favorable environment for oral bacteria, increasing the risk of developing tooth decay or periodontal disease.

5. Misaligned teeth

Bite issues can cause some teeth to overlap others, making them harder to clean. This increases a person’s risk of developing tooth decay or gum disease.

Protect your mouth

Gum disease can lead to the total loss of teeth, and it has been linked to various health issues. Good oral hygiene goes a long way when it comes to protecting your gums. Give us a call or stop by our Troy dental clinic to set up an appointment.

Request an appointment here: https://www.thanasasdds.com or call Thanasas Family Dental Care at (248) 260-2878 for an appointment in our Troy office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Gum Disease in Troy, MI.

Recent Posts

How Does A Dentist Approach Gum Disease Treatment?

Gum disease treatment is necessary for patients whose tooth decay has progressed enough to cause inflammation of the gumline. Without proper treatment, the gum disease will continue to worsen. Dentists have access to specialized tools that patients cannot use in their homes to remedy the issue. While each person’s oral health situation is unique, most…

When Is Gum Disease Treatment Necessary?

Gum disease is a serious condition that can result in a need for periodontal treatment. Periodontal treatment is often necessary to destroy the infection and prevent it from worsening. Often, without treatment, a case of gum disease can become advanced, resulting in tooth loss, receding gums, and even jaw deterioration, all of which can be…

What Gum Disease Can Do To Your Oral Health

Gum disease may have a variety of negative effects on your oral health. Read on to learn about the effects of untreated gum disease on your oral health. Untreated gum disease might ultimately result in major complications such as loss of jawbone density and tooth loss. As a result, excellent gum care is critical.Note that…

A Dentist Can Prevent And Treat Gum Disease

As a dentist, one of the most important tasks we have is ensuring that our patients remain in optimum health and that they are never susceptible to any kind of gum disease. What we have found is that a large number of people across the country are starting to experience the symptoms of gum disease because they…

Recent Posts

Do Clear Aligners Work?

Do Clear Aligners Work?

If you are thinking about clear aligners as a way to fix your crooked teeth, you should talk to your dentist. This professional can tell you whether you are a good candidate for the treatment. There are many differences between aligners and braces, but the goals are the same: to change your smile. You can…

Periodontics And Dental Implants: How They Work Together

Periodontics And Dental Implants: How They Work Together

Periodontics and dental implants are two areas of dentistry that often go hand in hand. Both of these treatments are important for helping to preserve the health and beauty of your smile. While periodontics is focused on treating diseases of the gums and bone, dental implants are focused on replacing lost teeth with artificial ones.…