Having a cute smile or a cavity-free tooth does not guarantee you do not have gum disease. Gum disease or periodontal disease is a consequential infection resulting from gum inflammation and loss of tissues and bones surrounding the teeth. The concerned parts of the teeth (gum tissues and bones) undergo deterioration after the inflammatory damage is done on the tooth root (gum).
According to the American Academy of Periodontology, periodontal diseases are silent and may not show symptoms until they reach their peak. Everyone is prone to having a gum disease at any time, and it can be prevented and cured at an early stage.
What Causes Gum Diseases?
Illness
Illnesses that mess with a patient’s immune system are one of the biggest causes of gum diseases. For example, conditions like diabetes harm the body through excess blood sugar. People with this have a higher probability of being affected badly by gum disease. Other diseases, especially viral ones like HIV and cancer, attack the immune system, thereby causing a general weakening of the body with the teeth included.
Hormonal Changes
A few hormonal changes in humans, especially females in certain stages of their life cycles, cause gum disease. Excessive release of some hormones in females leads to periodontal disease, which, if not well attended to, will worsen.
At puberty, estrogen and progesterone are massively released by the body of growing adolescent females to execute physical changes related to adulthood and sexual maturity. The great eruption of hormones could lead to gum disease. The adolescents suffer from red, swollen, and bleeding gums, which are symptoms of gingivitis.
Also, at pregnancy and menopause stages, women experience hormonal fluctuations that cause gum diseases. It is important to note that it could worsen if not treated early.
Poor Oral Hygiene
Negligence in observing simple hygiene, like brushing, flossing, and so on, increases the risk of periodontal disease. Good oral hygiene helps prevent gum diseases, cavities, and other implications like cancer.
Bad Habits
Some habits men get involved in continuously cause gum diseases. Some of the few habits include:
- Biting of nails: As we perform our daily activities, the probability of our hands and fingers coming in contact with bacteria is very high. For that reason, it is advisable to take those fingers off your mouth for the sake of your oral health.
- Smoking: Smoking affects the lungs and kidneys. It also affects the gum and the mouth entirely. From brown teeth to weak tissues and bones and then decaying gums, fallen teeth, and bone loss, smoking affects every part of the mouth and leaves it with no remedy.
- Excessive drinking of acidic liquids: Consuming wine or fruit juice may taste excellent. Some of these drinks have benefits for our bodies, but with all these benefits, excessive intake of such liquids can cause severe damage to our teeth and gums.
- Poor oral hygiene: As said in the previous paragraph, negligence in performing oral hygiene like daily brushing and flossing can cause gum disease.
Medications
Sometimes, drugs and syrups prescribed by doctors and medical personnel stimulate the cause of gum diseases. Some medicines reduce saliva circulation, thereby increasing the susceptibility rate.
6 Gum Disease Prevention Tips
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
The simplest and probably one of the most effective ways of preventing gum disease is through sound and proper oral hygiene. Brush and floss your teeth every morning to remove food, plaque, and tartar in every corner of the mouth.
Quit Smoking
Smoking and tobacco usage affect the gums and teeth and reduce the immune system’s strength. Avoid smoking to stay healthy and have a good set of teeth.
Get More Vitamin C
Vitamin C helps prevent and reduce the advancement of periodontal disease and strengthens the immune system to fight against infections.
Eat a Balanced Diet
To keep inflamed gums and other gum disease symptoms away, you must watch your diet. Eat healthy foods that will support healthy teeth.
Stay Hydrated
Water helps wash away the leftover food and plaques in the corners of your teeth. It also prevents tooth decay and dry mouth. Sugar and calorie-free liquid can be consumed instead of acidy drinks.
Get a Regular Dental Checkup
Visiting your dentist regularly is vital as it helps to know the condition of your teeth and what needs to be done. Also, ensure your dentist does professional cleanings, proper scaling, and root planing to strengthen and support your teeth.
Bottom Line
Gum disease is preventable and could be curable. At Nexus Dental Associates, we offer treatment for gum disease in Indian Trail, NC. Book an appointment with us today.
