The Root Causes of Gum Disease May Surprise You

Most people have heard of gum disease but it’s common for people to not be sure exactly what it means or how people get it. Gum disease is actually a term that’s often used to mean numerous things, from having tender gums to severe damage that leads to tooth loss.

While there are many causes of gum disease, there’s a single best practice to avoid it: Regular at-home oral health care. This involves brushing and flossing daily. It’s also essential to make sure you’re visiting your California dentist on a regular basis. If you’re concerned about gum disease, keep reading to learn more about the causes and then reach out to California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161 to make an appointment with a dental professional.

Tobacco use

Whether it’s through smoking it or chewing it, if you use tobacco then you’re at a higher risk of gum disease than a person who doesn’t use tobacco. Why? Because tobacco can weaken the way bone and soft tissues are connected to your teeth. It can also prevent the normal functioning of the cells in your gum tissues. Chewing tobacco actually directly irritates the gums, which can lead to tissue to pull away from the teeth. This leaves the root of the tooth exposed, which is a recipe for tooth decay.

Diabetes

Diabetics deal with many different changes within their blood vessels. These changes can affect many functions in their body, including impairing blood flow, which weakens bones and gums. This can significantly increase the chance that a person will experience an infection. If a person has diabetes and doesn’t have it treated, then they could be looking at higher glucose levels in the fluids in their mouths, which can lead to more bacteria and to gum disease.

Certain medications

Have you ever thought of the roll that saliva plays in your mouth? It’s actually a very important part of keeping your mouth clean. If you don’t generate enough saliva, you can see bacteria start to buildup in your mouth. There are many medications that can have the side effect of less saliva. Other medications can also cause gum tissue to grow abnormally, which can make it hard to keep the teeth clean.

Bad nutrition

Not getting the right foods – and eating the wrong ones – can lead to all sorts of diseases, including gum disease. If your body isn’t getting all its needed nutrients, then it will have a difficult time fighting bacteria. Eating a property diet with needed vitamins and minerals can be an important part of fighting gum disease.

If you’re worried that you have the risk signs for gum disease then your best bet is to contact California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161 and make an appointment to come see us. The good news is that if we catch it early, treatment is relatively simple. You can trust us to carefully assess your gums, offer our honest opinion, and provide your options. You can then make the most informed decision about how to proceed.