When it comes to the various gum diseases that people have to deal with, there are a few questions that need to be dealt with. How are they caused…what is the best way to prevent them? These are only a couple of the things that people want and need to know about, and gum diseases are just one of the causes of adult tooth loss.

Often unnoticed by individuals for many years, gum disease, also known as periodontal disease is an inflammation of the gums.

There are two main stages to periodontal or gum disease, and they are periodontitis and gingivitis. Periodontitis is the most serious of the two, where the inflammation eventually leads to bone loss around the teeth, and gingivitis only affects the gums. So, the key factor involved, that is the main difference between the two stages is bone loss around the teeth.

So in answer to that first important question…what is the cause of gum disease? When bacteria starts growing on the gums and teeth, gum disease is the inevitable result. Plaque, a sticky, clear substance that is produced constantly by our mouths, contains bacteria and will accumulate on the gums. It will be the main cause of gum disease if it is not immediately eliminated.

Various chemicals and toxins are produced by the bacteria that are found on the sugars of the drinks and foods that you consume. These toxins will cause the gums to bleed when they are brushed, and also swell rather easily, because they irritate them. Tartar (or calculus) is a mineral build up that results when plaque hardens, and can also be a cause for the loss of teeth as it further the gums.

Aside from bacteria, there are many, many other factors that can cause periodontal or gum disease. Below you will find some of the main ones;

• Chewing spit tobacco, smoking cigarettes, and generally poor oral hygiene are three of the main causes of gum disease.
• Another one of the main causes is the hormonal changes of females, such as pregnancy, menopause and puberty, etc.
• Periodontal or gum disease can also be caused by certain medications like heart medicines, antidepressants, and birth control pills.
• Due to the formation of plaque in between teeth in some of the hard to reach areas, the teeth can become crooked, which can be a significant cause, as well.
• Bridges or crowns that do not fit properly, the defective or rough edges of dentures and regular fillings, misaligned teeth, and the accumulation of calculus (or tartar) can also be contributing factors.

Please visit or consult with your Hamilton dentist as soon as possible if you have a receding gum line, gums that are purple or bright red in color, gums that often itch, gums that bleed easily, even after brushing gently and carefully, sores in your mouth, and shiny or swollen gums. There is a good likelihood that gum disease has already set in if any of these symptoms are present.