POTENTIAL CAUSES OF GUM DISEASE

 It has been reported at The New York Times that almost 75% of American adults have some sort of gum disease and only 60% has significant knowledge about the said condition. Just like any other diseases, gum inflammation and periodontal disease can be hereditary but other factors can also put people into higher risks of acquiring it. Visiting your nearest dentist often can solve most of your gum issues.

Aside for tooth decay, periodontal disease and other gum problems are the most common issues when it comes to oral health. This dental issue may or may not show symptoms that is why it’s always better to set appointments with dentists regularly. Examine these probable causes that might affect the condition of your gums:

Oral Hygiene – Bacteria build up and plaque formation in the mouth and teeth due to unhealthy oral hygiene practices may play a significant role in acquiring gum related problems. When gums are inflamed it easily bleeds whenever you’re brushing your teeth.

Age – According to studies, periodontal diseases are most likely to occur on adults. Between the ages of 18-34, one survey result showed that 3.6% of the adult population has periodontal disease. Results of the said study also concluded that as people age they tend to have a high risk to acquire gum diseases. It may start off as gingivitis on early adulthood but if it remains untreated until you get old this will lead to periodontal disease. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shared their study result which shows that over 70% of the American population with the age 65 years and older has moderate to severe periodontitis.

Smoking – Tobacco has been associated with different kinds of illnesses. Lung related diseases, heart problems, and cancer are just some of the illnesses being associated with the harms of smoking tobacco. Smokers have a higher risk of acquiring periodontal disease. This risk increases along with the number of sticks of cigarettes smoked in a day. Exposure to second hand smoke also puts the exposed person at 50% - 60% of risk in developing periodontal disease. Chances of acquiring gum disease related to tobacco and nicotine will decrease if the person quits. Recovery of the gums happens gradually if the smoker will discontinue exposing the mouth and gums to hazardous substances related to smoking.

Genetics – If periodontal disease is acquired genetically, an early intervention treatment will be able to help them. Early intervention will immediately start before the patient even shows signs of said disease. Undergoing some sort of genetic tests will help determine if a patient have acquired periodontal disease through his or her genes.

Poor Nutrition and Obesity – The body needs get proper nutrition from the food we eat to help fight off infection. When the immune system is compromised because of poor nutrition, the body won’t be able to fight mouth and gum infection which is the starting point of periodontal disease. On the other hand, obesity also increases the risk for gum disease. Eating sugar rich food increases the acidity in the mouth which in turn makes the bacteria that causes gum related diseases to thrive.

Teeth Grinding – The habit of clenching or grinding the teeth puts force and pressure to the tissues that support the teeth. When periodontal tissues are exposed to too much pressure that rate at which they are destroyed speeds up.

Systemic Diseases – Diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and cardiovascular diseases are just some of the illnesses that are linked with the body’s inflammatory system. Patients who have these types of illnesses are advised by their dentists take proper measure and care to lessen the risk of acquiring periodontal problems.

Vitamin C Deficiency – Vitamin C plays a vital role in the regeneration of connective tissues. Aside from getting functions for tissue repair, Vitamin C also gives off antioxidant effects that counter the presence of tissue destroying oxidants present in a patient with periodontal disease.

Socioeconomic Factors – The children and elderly population from poor communities suffer from worst oral care. A study conducted last 2002 showed that oral bacteria build up is higher for people who visit their dentist the least. Bacteria build up in the mouth and teeth allow gum infection to thrive. The lack of medical and dental insurance in the poor communities is the primary reason why they can’t afford to go to doctors and dentists.