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.
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