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Discover the Five Main Causes of Gingivitis in California Adults

July 15, 2020

Discover the Five Main Causes of Gingivitis in California Adults

No one wants gum disease yet nearly 65 million adults over the age of 29 suffer from some form of it in the United States. That is according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The bad news is that this is an alarming number.

The good news is that if it is caught when it is still minor gum disease, known as gingivitis, it can be prevented from doing lasting damage. This is why we recommend you contact your dentist for a dental cleaning and exam by calling California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161. In the meantime, you can read about five causes of gingivitis so you know what to avoid.

  1. Plaque/Tartar Buildup
  2. This is the number one cause of gingivitis by far. Plaque itself is the combination of food particles, bacteria, and saliva that results in a biofilm on the teeth. If you do not floss daily and brush twice daily to get rid of that plaque buildup, it turns into tartar. This can only be removed by a dentist. Both plaque and tartar are irritants to the gums and can lead to gingivitis.

  3. Hormonal Changes
  4. There are a few periods in the average person’s life in which they will go through significant hormonal changes. Puberty, menopause, monthly menstrual cycles, and pregnancy can all cause changes in hormones. When that happens, the gingival tissue of the gums becomes more sensitive, which can increase the risk that it will become inflamed.

  5. Other Diseases
  6. If you have certain diseases or medical conditions, you could be at a higher than average risk of developing gingivitis. This includes cancer, diabetes, and HIV. Note that you will not automatically have gingivitis if you have those other conditions, but your chances are elevated.

  7. Cigarettes and Certain Drugs
  8. Smoking cigarettes increases your risk of developing gingivitis. Certain over the counter, prescription, and street drugs can increase your chance of gingivitis as well. This is often due to a reduction in saliva production, so if you have a medication that does this, then it could be making it more likely for you to develop gingivitis.

  9. A Family History of Gingivitis
  10. If your parent or parents have had gingivitis or other forms of gum disease, then you are statistically more likely to have gum disease yourself. This might be due entirely to genetics, or due to parents often passing down their poor oral health care to their children.

None of the above means that you will automatically get gum disease. However, the more aware you are of your chance of getting this disease, the better you can protect yourself. If you would like a dental opinion on your current susceptibly to gum disease, contact California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161 right away.

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