Gum disease and gingivitis is one of the leading causes of tooth loss for both adults and children. Those who have gum disease may experience swollen or bleeding gums, loose teeth, or even bad breath. All Star Dental cannot stress enough the importance of routinely brushing and flossing your teeth every day in order to prevent gum disease and gingivitis.
Luckily, the conditions are treatable if caught early. It’s important to understand what the main causes are so that you can avoid developing symptoms and undergoing treatment altogether. Our dental offices in the greater Chicago area are here to help you identify and (if you can) avoid the main causes of gum disease.
Main Causes of Gum Disease To Watch Out For
- Plaque. Gum disease’s main culprit is plaque. The buildup of plaque and tartar on the gum line will eventually aggravate the gums which may lead to infection and cavities below the gum line. Plaque can be removed easily with the help of routine brushing and flossing — just make sure you have the brushing technique down and the right toothbrush and toothpaste to get the job done. Dental cleanings at one of our five area locations will also help prevent gum disease; all of the plaque and tartar buildup will be professionally removed by our dental hygienists.
- Smoking. You may equate smoking with affecting the lungs. However, smoking can also negatively impact the entire oral cavity, causing gum disease, tooth loss, tooth discoloration, and oral cancer. It’s important to talk to your primary health care provider about how you can reduce or eliminate smoking in order to improve your oral health and overall health.
- Prescription Medication. Many prescription medications can change your mouth’s ability to create saliva. Saliva isn’t just used to break down food as you chew, it is also used as a protective coating for your teeth which helps to slough off food particles throughout the day. However, prescription medication may leave individuals with dry mouth. When this occurs, bacteria buildup can eventually cause your gums to become inflamed and infected.
- Hormones. Although this cause isn’t necessarily geared towards men, it’s important to keep in mind that your teen (no matter their gender) may start to develop gum disease due to hormonal fluctuations. Be sure that your teen has developed proper brushing habits. For women who are pregnant, you may notice bleeding gums while brushing or flossing. Although this is often a normal side effect of pregnancy, we recommend consulting your dentist if these instances occur — and especially if you have not experienced these symptoms before.
- Nutritional Deficiencies. Not staying properly hydrated with some quality H20 or not consuming enough fruits and vegetables with Vitamin C can lead to gum disease and gingivitis. Our Chicago area dentists recommend you consult your primary care physician and get blood work done in order to determine if you are nutrient deficient in Vitamin C. Luckily, there are supplements and dietary changes you can make to ensure you have all the proper levels of vitamins and minerals. We also strongly recommend cutting back on sugars, processed foods and foods high in carbohydrates.
- Family History. Just as some families are prone to cavities, some too are prone to developing gum disease. It’s important that, during your initial consultation with our dentists, that you discuss any other family members who have also had gum disease or gingivitis in the past. Although genetics is often not a factor when it comes to gum disease, it’s important to inform your dentist of any correlations nonetheless.
- Crooked Teeth. Opting for orthodontics to straighten your teeth isn’t just all for show. Having crooked teeth allows for tight spaces where it may be more difficult for a toothbrush to reach, especially if your teeth overlap or are rotated. If you have any crowding in your upper or lower teeth, we recommend having a consultation with our dentist regarding whether or not orthodontics is a good option for you. If not, then the best thing you can do to prevent gum disease is floss more regularly.
As mentioned above, gum disease is easily prevented with proper oral health care and avoiding habits such as smoking and an unbalanced diet. Luckily though, if our Chicago area dentists do catch early signs of gum disease, we will recommend a treatment plan for you. Contact one of our locations today to schedule an appointment.
