What Causes Gum Disease?

Are you certain that you have been doing a wonderful job with protecting the health of your teeth – but you aren’t so sure about what it takes to keep your gum health in good shape, too? Fortunately, becoming familiar with what causes gum disease and how to avoid it is much simpler than you might imagine. Even more wonderful? As long as you’re remaining focused on your daily brushing and flossing – and your visits with us twice a year – you’re on the road toward continued periodontal health.

About Your Dental Hygiene

The main factor in the development of gum disease is your dental hygiene. Periodontal problems occur primarily as the result of plaque and tartar buildup. Here’s what you need to know: Plaque is full of bacteria, much of which is harmful. There’s no getting around the fact that this sticky film coats your teeth every day. When you brush and floss, you sweep it away. When you don’t, the plaque hardens significantly into tartar. These bacteria-rich substances will move beneath your gumline, will continue to accumulate, and will irritate your gingival tissue (gums). This is because bacteria feed on food particles in your mouth and release acids.

Irritation leads to inflamed gum tissue, which – when left unchecked and unaddressed – can lead to infection. As a result, poor hygiene and a lack of professional dental care is generally the cause of gum disease.

Additional Risk Factors

While removing plaque on a daily basis is something that greatly protects you from the development of gum disease, it’s not the only factor. Additional risk factors may make you more prone to experiencing periodontal problems. Care at home and trips to see us will ensure you enjoy continuing gum health, even in the face of the following factors:

• Changes in hormones can affect gum health
• Periodontal disease is often linked to heredity
• Certain products, such as tobacco, may increase the chance of periodontal concerns

Share this Article