Sometimes, even if you follow thorough dental hygiene, you still may be at risk of developing gum disease, a severe gum infection that can potentially damage your jawbone if untreated. If gum disease persists for a long time, it can develop into a more serious periodontal disease. Learning more about its different culprits can help you prevent the onset of this condition and start immediate treatment when necessary.
Keep on reading to discover some of the causes of gum disease that go beyond dental hygiene.
1. Genetics
Gum disease can be hereditary. You can be more vulnerable to this mouth bacterial infection due to your family health history. If you suspect you’re genetically predisposed, meticulous dental hygiene should be your main priority.
2. Aggressive bacteria
Many people get virulent bacteria that are more harmful to their gum lines and jawbones that support their teeth. Such bacteria can result in bleeding gums, jawbone deterioration, and shifting teeth, without you even experiencing a characteristic pain. If you have this kind of gum disease, consult a periodontist ASAP because hygiene alone is inefficient.
3. Medications
A wide range of medications can trigger swelling or bleeding in your gums. Certain medications can decrease the amount of saliva in your mouth, allowing bacteria to spread quicker. If you’re using liquid medicines, antacids, and cough drops that are laced with sugar, practicing good dental hygiene is even more important.
4. Smoking
When it comes to your dental health, it’s not just cigarettes that are a problem. Any type of tobacco product, including electronic cigarettes, chewing tobacco, vape, and snus, can increase your risk of developing gum disease by 20% to 30%. Tobacco use hampers the natural tissue healing process in your mouth and makes it more susceptible to bacteria. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, periodontitis (advanced gum disease) is more common in men (57%) than in women (39%) and even more so in those who smoke (65%).
5. Pregnancy and hormone fluctuations
Expectant mothers and women on their periods should follow thorough dental hygiene. That’s because hormonal changes that occur during these processes can make your gum line more susceptible to oral bacteria. Persistent gum disease in pregnant women can lead to complications like preterm birth and low birth weight.
6. Malnutrition
If your gums are pouring blood, it can be a sign of gingivitis, an early stage of gum disease. However, bleeding gums can also signal nutritional deficiencies. For example, low levels of vitamin C in the bloodstream are linked to increased gum leading, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Try eating more healthy foods like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and peppers to resolve this problem. Unhealthy eating, in general, can impact your body’s immune system.
7. Age
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 64 million middle-aged Americans are affected by some form of gum disease. Your risk for gum disease and other health problems becomes higher as you age. The risk for periodontitis, the most severe stage of gum disease, increases to nearly 80% in people over 65, reports the American Academy of Periodontology.
8. Overall health issues
Cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis are the three major systemic diseases that can lead to inflammation and worsen the condition of your gums. According to various studies conducted over the last 30 years, gum disease is commonly linked to an increase in those types of diseases. That’s because mouth bacteria can spread to other parts of your body through small wounds and openings in your gums and other oral tissues.
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