What is gum disease?
The infection of the soft tissues and bones that surround and support the teeth is periodontal disease. It is also commonly referred to as a periodontal disease. It can exist in a variety of forms. Gingivitis, for instance, is a mild to moderate form of gum disease that affects only the mouth's soft tissues and teeth. In advanced cases of gum disease, the teeth's supporting bones and structures become infected. This infection can eventually result in tooth loss if left untreated.
What causes gum disease?
Gum disease can be caused by a variety of factors, including bacteria and plaque buildup in the mouth, smoking, hormonal shifts, some prescription medications, nutritional deficiencies, uneven teeth, and even genetics. To reduce your risk of developing gum disease, try to avoid some of the things listed above.
But bear in mind, none of these factors can, on their own, cause gum disease to develop and spread throughout the body. As long as you maintain a rigorous and thorough oral hygiene routine, it will be extremely difficult for gum disease to establish a foothold and spread.
Example: You may be genetically predisposed to plaque buildup; however, if you brush and floss twice a day, in addition to visiting your dentist at prescribed intervals for a professional cleaning and checkup, the likelihood of developing gum disease is reduced.
Plaque, bacteria, and food debris accumulate much more easily in the spaces between uneven teeth, making it much more challenging to keep them clean. However, as stated previously, gum disease is unlikely to develop if you are diligent about brushing and flossing your teeth and visiting your dentist regularly.
The Most Common Cause of Gum Disease
Whether you are experiencing a hormonal shift (perhaps a pregnancy), are a regular smoker, or take a prescription medication, gum disease is ultimately caused by the unimpeded development of bacteria and plaque in the mouth.
This is actually good news, as it indicates that gum disease can be prevented by practising good oral hygiene most of the time. Although the aforementioned factors can increase the likelihood of gum disease (and make prevention more difficult), the decision to develop gum disease ultimately rests with you.
The best way to prevent gum disease is twice-daily brushing and flossing, and regular visits to your dentist for professional cleaning (for most people, twice a year is should be sufficient).