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Learn the Top Five Reasons a Person Might Develop Gingivitis – And How You Can Prevent It

September 19, 2022

Learn the Top Five Reasons a Person Might Develop Gingivitis – And How You Can Prevent It

Nobody likes gum disease, yet in the United States, approximately 65 million persons over the age of 29 have it in some form. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention claim that. The bad news is that this figure is concerning.

The good news is that it can be stopped from causing long-term harm if it is discovered when it is still a mild form of gum disease called gingivitis. This is why we advise you to call California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161 to schedule an appointment with your dentist for a dental cleaning and exam. To learn what to avoid, you can read about the five causes of gingivitis in the meantime.

Tartar/Plaque Buildup

By far, this is the main reason why gingivitis develops. Plaque is a biofilm on the teeth that is created when food particles, bacteria, and saliva are combined. In the absence of twice-daily brushing and flossing to remove plaque accumulation, tartar develops on the teeth. Only a dentist can get rid of this. Plaque and tartar can both cause gingivitis and irritate the gums.

Changes in hormones

Infrequently will the ordinary individual see substantial hormonal shifts throughout their lifetime. Hormone shifts can occur as a result of puberty, menopause, monthly menstrual cycles, and pregnancy. When that occurs, the gums’ gingival tissue becomes more sensitive, raising the possibility that it could inflame.

Various Illnesses

You may be more likely than normal to develop gingivitis if you have certain illnesses or medical problems. HIV, diabetes, and cancer are examples of this. Although your odds are increased, gingivitis is not a given if you have those other illnesses.

Smoking and Particular Drugs

You run a greater chance of getting gingivitis if you smoke cigarettes. Certain over the counter, prescription, and illicit substances can also raise your risk of developing gingivitis. If you take a medicine that causes this, it may increase your risk of developing gingivitis since it frequently results in a decrease in saliva production.

A Gingivitis Family History

You are statistically more likely to get gum disease yourself if your parent or parents had gingivitis or another type of gum disease. This may be fully genetically determined or result from parents often passing on their poor oral hygiene practices to their offspring.

None of the aforementioned factors makes gum disease inevitable. However, you may better safeguard yourself if you are aware of your risk of contracting this illness. Call California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161 as soon as possible if you’re interested in a dental opinion on your present susceptibility to gum disease.

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