The destruction and infection of the tissues and bones supporting the teeth is another good definition for periodontal and gum disease, and about 30% of the adults in our population are affected by them.
Bacterial plaque is the primary cause of this culprit we call gum disease, and it is this soft substance, that is bacteria-laden, called plaque that sticks to the teeth and layers the gums. It becomes tartar (calculus) when it hardens after being allowed to remain in the teeth too long, and it will have to be removed by your dentist because it cannot be removed by normal brushing.
Some of the main causes of periodontal (gum) diseases is the tartar and plaque that accumulates due to the neglect of proper oral hygiene. The gums become inflamed and irritated when the build up of bacterial tartar and plaque infects them. The eventual loss of teeth occurs in people with severe gum disease, and you will find several of the causes below:
Smoking
Smokers put themselves at a much higher risk of developing gum bacterial infections, than are non-smokers, because their immune systems are weakened, which greatly decreases the body’s natural infection fighting ability. This causes damage to the bones that support the teeth, and to tissue inside the mouth, because smoking forms deep pockets and tartar where bacteria gathers around the teeth.
Stress
A tendency to neglect personal hygiene that includes dental care, is shown by people who lack the ability to cope with stress-related pressure. This person’s defenses against infection are weakened by stress that affects the immune system.
Genes
The simple, but unfortunate fact that some people have gum disease inherit in their genes, is the reason for cases that even those with great habits of dental care, still develop the disease at times.
Gene testing that leads to early detection, has proven to be the best way to help those who are genetically prone to gum disease.
Hormones
The human body will experience a surge in hormones during certain periods of time, such as puberty. For instance, women will experience changes in their hormone levels during menopause, pregnancy and monthly cycles. The risk of gum disease is greater during these times, because hormone changes affect the bacteria and saliva makeup inside the mouth.
Certain Medications
The cause of some types of gum disease, or maybe just their further development, can be linked to various kinds of different prescription medicines or drugs. The over stimulation growth of gum tissue caused by anti-seizure medications and steroids, contraceptive pills, and certain hypertension (blood pressure) drugs that block the channels of calcium, are just some of those that can contribute to gum disease.
Bacteria can become immune to some antibiotics through long term use, so please find out how different prescription medicines can affect the health of your teeth and gums, by checking with your personal dentist.
Certain immune system-targeting diseases, excessive alcohol and sugar consumption, and inadequate nutrient intake that is essential to good dental health, are some of the other various causes and risk factors of gum diseases.
You can always be better equipped to prevent periodontal (gum) diseases, by learning more about its causes. The keys to a more excellent dental health, as you will find out, are taking better care of your immune system, and maintaining good oral care with your Hamilton dentist, as well as better home care.