If you have gum disease, gingivitis, or periodontitis, your symptoms may include inflammation, red and bleeding gums, bad breath, receding gums, loose teeth, and pain while chewing. Without diligent oral care and regular visits to a dentist, the condition of your gums may deteriorate further, resulting in jawbone and facial deformities. Use this guide to learn about the causes of gum disease and how to take better care of your oral health.

4 Risk Factors for Gum Disease

1. Poor Oral Hygiene

When oral health isn’t a priority, gum disease is inevitable. Dental health is a lifelong commitment requiring twice-daily brushing with a soft-bristled brush followed by flossing to remove the food particles and bacteria that brushing alone cannot dislodge. Proper oral hygiene also involves drinking plenty of water, maintaining a healthy diet, and visiting the dentist every six months for deep teeth cleanings and checkups. Only dentists and dental hygienists can remove tartar—the hardened plaque that forms under the gumline.

2. Smoking

Use of tobacco products weakens the body’s immune system, making it more difficult to fight infections. Smoking also interferes with the normal function of your gums. It causes dry mouth and lowers saliva production. Saliva is vital to your oral health. It helps wash away the food particles, bacteria, and mucus that cause plaque. Tobacco use also makes it harder for any gum damage to heal.

3. Hormonal Changes

Hormonal fluctuations from puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause increase gum sensitivity and the possibility of developing gingivitis and periodontal disease. Pregnancy gingivitis, for example, is a condition that causes bacteria to multiply because of higher levels of progesterone in the blood. 

4. Illness

Illnesses that compromise the body’s immune system make it harder to fight off gum disease. Cancer and HIV patients, therefore, should take extra care of their oral health. Medications can also increase gum disease risks because they dry out the mouth and reduce the flow of saliva.

Based in Prairie du Chien, WI, PdC Dentistry, S.C. provides same-day emergency services in addition to general dentistry and oral surgery. Call (608) 326-8458 today to schedule an appointment, or visit the dentist online for a complete service list. For more dental care tips, connect with them on Facebook.