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Gum Disease: What is it?
Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is an oral condition that can affect the soft tissues and structures of your mouth. Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease and only affects the soft tissues but when left untreated can quickly become more serious.
More advanced forms of the disease infect bones and supporting structures of the teeth. This can eventually lead to tooth loss if left untreated.
The Various Causes of Gum Disease in Adults
There are various contributing factors when it comes to gum disease, including plaque and bacteria buildup in the mouth, hormonal shifts, smoking, nutritional deficiencies, some prescription medications, uneven teeth and even genetics.
If you notice that your gums bleed during brushing or flossing then you should contact your dentist as soon as possible to schedule an examination. Bleeding gums are a sign that you are experiencing early-stage gum disease. Because your mouth contains millions of bacteria, great oral hygiene every day is a must - to disrupt the bacteria.
Your body tried to clear itself of infection by sending blood to the affected areas which is your gums in the case of gingivitis. The excess blood may cause swelling, soreness, bleeding and redness. Your body thinks it has an infection - this is called gingivitis, and it won't heal until the source of the infection is eliminated.
Bacteria can be found in plaque, tartar or calculus, pockets beneath the gums (in cases of advanced gum disease), cavities, abscesses and chipped teeth. Bacteria can attach itself to any surface and crevice including the ridges of old dental work.
Steps That Can Be Taken to Avoid Gum Disease
When it comes to avoiding gum disease, there is no 'cure-all'. You will need to put in the effort to brush and floss your teeth every single day.
None of the above-listed factors alone can cause gum disease to develop and thrive. By keeping up with continued oral hygiene you can make it difficult for the bacteria to build up causing issues.
For example, while you may be prone to plaque buildup (perhaps due to genetics), as long as you brush and floss your teeth twice a day and visit your dentist as prescribed for regular professional cleanings and checkups, chances are that gum disease will not be able to fully develop.
Whether a pregnancy causes a hormonal shift, you take prescription medication or are a regular smoker, the most common cause of gum disease is the unimpeded development of bacteria and plaque in the mouth.
Most of the time, gum disease can be easily prevented with a good oral hygiene routine. While the issues listed above can increase your risk (and make prevention more challenging), whether it actually develops comes down to the decisions you make every day about your oral health practices.