What Are Common Causes of Gum Disease?

Gum Disease Sunnyvale, TX

Gum disease can be caused by any number of things, but the result is always the same - pain and agony. If you take care of your mouth and your teeth, however, it can be avoided. In this article, we’re going to look at some common causes of gum and mouth diseases. 

Who is affected by gum disease?

Anyone can get gum disease, but adults who don’t brush and floss regularly are more at risk than those who do. This disease is something that starts and progresses slowly, which means that the older you get, the more at risk you are. Luckily, that also means that children are not at high risk as long as they take care of their teeth. Here are a few things that increase your risk of disease. 

Smoking and using tobacco products

Those who smoke or use tobacco products are more prone than those who don’t. Tobacco interferes with functions that your gum tissue cells normally perform to protect your mouth. Prolonged smoking or tobacco could very likely lead to diseases such as gingivitis. Brushing and flossing will not be able to save you if you use tobacco regularly. 

A buildup of plaque between your teeth

The leading cause is plaque buildup both on your teeth and on your gums. Plaque is a thick film or layer of bacteria that builds up within your mouth, and no amount of brushing or flossing can get rid of it. 

Hormonal shifts

This affects mostly women, specifically those who are pregnant or menstruating. The shift in hormones that women experience currently makes their gums more susceptible to disease. Pregnancy can lead to puffy, bloody, inflamed, or irritated gums when you brush or floss. This can be very painful to those affected. Unfortunately, because you’re more at risk during this time, it’s essential that you don’t stop taking care of your teeth. 

Medications and other drugs

Many drugs and other medications can cause your mouth to dry up, meaning a reduction in saliva and moisture. Dry mouth is a breeding ground for bacteria. Make sure you check the side effects of any drugs you’ve been prescribed and make sure you’re not at risk for dry mouth. 

Inadequate nutritional intake

Vitamins and minerals, namely Vitamin C and water, are necessary for the health of your gums. Not getting enough vitamins and water can lead to gum problems. These problems will be compounded if you substitute sugar and carbs in their place. Poor nutrition can lead to many other health problems, but gum disease is at the top of the list.  

Crooked teeth

Crooked teeth cause misalignments between your teeth that can become infected with disease-causing bacteria. Crooked teeth are quite common, and unless you have the problem remedied with braces, you will inevitably be at higher risk for gum problems. If you take extra time to floss and brush your teeth, you will reduce your risk for disease. 

Request an appointment here: https://stonecanyondental.com or call Stone Canyon Dental at (972) 996-3191 for an appointment in our Sunnyvale office.

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

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…

4 Signs And Symptoms Of Gum Disease

Proper dental hygiene, including brushing, flossing, fluoride use, and regular dental examinations and cleanings, is necessary for more than just cosmetic reasons. One of the consequences of not taking good care of teeth and gums is gum disease, which is also called periodontal disease. There are three stages of this disease, and if it is…

Three Common Treatments For Gum Disease

Without treatment, Gum Diseasegum disease can have a negative impact on oral health and function. Gum disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults. Multiple studies have also confirmed that people with gum disease are more likely to suffer cardiovascular disease, stroke, heart attack, and diabetes. Taking care of your teeth…

Recent Posts

Tips On How To Adjust To Life With Dentures

5 Tips On How To Adjust To Life With Dentures

Dentures may completely transform the quality of life for someone who has been lacking teeth by giving them back both their smile and their self-esteem. Nonetheless, it may take some time and persistence for dentures to feel natural. Read on for some helpful tips for getting used to your new dentures.When several teeth need replacement,…

How Long Is The Process For Placing Implant Crowns?

How Long Is The Process For Placing Implant Crowns?

If someone is looking for an alternative to placing new dental implants, they may be interested in one of the newest procedures on the market—implant crowns. If a patient chooses to go this route, there are some factors to consider before committing to the procedure, including how long it will take to place the crown…

HOURS: MON 8AM-5PM TUES 8AM-4PM WED 8AM-4PM THURS 8AM-4PM FRI 8AM – NOON