What are the Major Causes of Gum Disease?

As uncommon as most people may think gum diseases are, they are actually very typical in adults. A lot of people don’t realize that their gums have a disease because signs are often not shown. However, there are some symptoms that a person might think are normal, when in actuality they may have a gum disease present.

Being aware of the causes of gum disease can be beneficial to people who are trying to avoid having one form. They can be harmful, painful and just plain unhealthy so knowing the causes of gum diseases should help everyone take the necessary steps to avoid them.

Today we will discuss the different causes of gum diseases. While the dentist can also point out these causes, they are also good to know beforehand.

Causes of gum disease

Built-up plaque

When a person doesn’t brush their teeth properly, plaque often forms on the surface. Once plaque forms, it is extremely hard to get rid of it because it hardens and starts to eat away at the enamel as well as the surrounding area. When plaque starts to near the gum line, the bacteria that’s in it will attack the gums causing a disease.

A visit to the dentist can help reduce or remove plaque that has been built up. They have special tools and cleaning agents that can rid the enamel and gum lines of this harmful substance.

Tobacco use

While most people are aware of the risks of tobacco use, they may not realize how harmful it can actually be to the mouth as a whole. The gums are especially prone to gum disease if tobacco is frequently used. Tobacco interferes with the normal functions of the mouth and it has agents in it that are very harmful to the gums and teeth.

It’s best to avoid tobacco use so that the teeth and gums can remain healthy and disease-free.

Crooked teeth

Aside from wanting to look better, dentists often recommend braces or aligners to straighten teeth that are crooked because it can be extremely harmful to the mouth. People that have crooked teeth are more likely to experience gum disease. Misalignments of teeth allow for more areas to have space for plaque or bacteria to build up in which inevitably causes a disease to form.

Taking extra care to brush and floss teeth that are crooked will be beneficial in the long run by reducing the chances that plaque will form in between those extra spaces.

Conclusion

Gum diseases often may be viewed as inevitable but that is not always the case. If people take special precautions to keep their teeth and gums in great shape then their chances of forming a disease will decrease. Knowing the many causes of gum diseases can benefit a person who is hoping to avoid one.

If you still have questions about gum diseases and how they are caused, then reach out to us today. Our trained office staff will be happy to help you in any way that we can.

Request an appointment here: https://www.nampaidahodentist.com or call Modern Smiles Nampa at (208) 656-6070 for an appointment in our Nampa office.