When talking about gum disease, several conditions can affect your teeth and gums, including gingivitis, periodontitis, and more. While there are different causes of each type of gum disease, here are five of the most common causes in general that you should be aware of if you’re worried about any kind of gum disease.
1. Improper Oral Hygiene
As you might have guessed, one of the main causes of gum disease is improper oral hygiene. When you don’t brush and floss your teeth regularly, over time, the buildup of plaque and tartar can irritate your gums and cause inflammation.
2. Systemic Diseases
If your mouth is feeling itchy or swollen, there’s a chance that you could be suffering from a systemic disease instead of just gum disease. This can signify several different things, including allergies or an infection like thrush. When you want to ensure that your gum disease isn’t systemic, you should talk to your dentist about tooth extractions OKC immediately.
3. Medication Side Effects
If you’re on prescription medications and suddenly notice a change in the amount of pain they cause in your mouth, it could be a symptom of gum disease. Certain medications can cause inflammation in the gums and mouth tissue.
4. Smoking
Smoking is a major cause of various forms of mouth cancer and periodontal disease. Smoking is considered one of the biggest causes of periodontitis, so if you smoke, it’s a good idea to quit for the sake of your gums alone.
5. Poor Diet
Incorporating the wrong types of food into your diet can also cause gum disease due to how it impacts your teeth and gums. For example, foods high in sugar and carbs, like soda and candy bars, can cause plaque buildup on your teeth. If this continues over time, you could also end up with red patches of discolored gums.
6. Family History of Gum Disease
If you know that your family has a history of gum disease and mouth conditions, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on your oral health to avoid future problems.
7. Clenching and Grinding Your Teeth
If you constantly clench and grind your teeth, it could cause damage to your teeth, eventually leading to gum disease. So the next time you’re thinking about grinding your teeth or clenching, try to avoid doing so to keep your gums healthy.
You should take gum disease seriously, so if you notice any of the symptoms above in your mouth, make sure to mention it to your dentist. It can be treated effectively!
