Periodontal disease, or gum disease, affects nearly half of all American adults over 30. This inflammatory disease causes the hard and soft tissues of the mouth to bleed, swell, and recede. Though many people have the disease, some put off treatment until their teeth can no longer be saved. Fortunately, dentists have treatment plans for every stage of gum disease so patients who are suffering can experience oral health once again.
All oral health professionals can agree on one thing: prevention is the best policy. To prevent periodontal disease, one must know what causes it. While good oral hygiene is the best method of prevention, it isn’t always effective when it’s caused by things like genetics and malocclusion. However, patients should do all they can to decrease their chances of developing gum disease by brushing and flossing appropriately.
Here are seven causes of periodontal disease:
1. Plaque and Tartar
When brushing and flossing are neglected, plaque builds up on the teeth near the gum line. Over time, it turns into tartar—dental calculus that can only be removed from a dental professional. When tartar resides on the gum line, the bacteria irritate and invade the gums, causing periodontal disease.
2. Hormonal Changes in Women
Pregnancy, menstruation, and menopause can all trigger periodontal disease. Because a woman’s hormones rise and fall during these times, the gums become even more susceptible to harmful bacteria. During this time, a woman may experience swollen, red, irritated, and/or bleeding gums. However, these symptoms will most likely disappear when the hormones are balanced again.
Regardless, women who experience gum problems during hormonal changes should visit their dentist to ensure the periodontal disease isn’t caused by anything else and doesn’t lead to further complications.
3. Tobacco Use
A healthy mouth has billions of good and bad bacteria in the mouth, but they are in balance. Smoking and chewing tobacco both interfere with the balance of bacteria in the mouth by causing the bad bacteria to overtake the good (this is also what happens in every other case).
Along with causing periodontal disease, tobacco use can lead to:
- Stained teeth and tongue
- Inability to taste and smell
- Slower healing
- Oral cancer
It’s best to kick the habit now before any of these oral health issues arise. Talk to your dentist today about the best ways to quick smoking or chewing tobacco.
4. Medications
There are thousands of medications that cause dry mouth, including:
- Antidepressants
- Antihistamines
- Antipsychotics
- Blood pressure medications
- Heart medications
- Seizure medications
- Anti-anxiety medications
- Anti-nausea medications
Dry mouth impacts the balance of bacteria in the mouth, just like the other causes. Saliva production and flow are actually extremely important for cleaning the teeth and gums, so when saliva is reduced, all parts of the mouth suffer.
5. Poor Nutrition
Most people think of food as a way to keep their bodies healthy, but few realize how important food choices are to their mouths. Vitamin C is especially vital for maintaining healthy gums. To help reduce your risk of developing periodontal disease, eat more of the following foods:
- Broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
- Green and red peppers
- Cauliflower
- Spinach
- Cabbage
- Sweet and white potatoes
Treatment for Periodontal Disease
Patients who notice symptoms of gum disease should seek treatment as soon as possible. At Austin Laser Dentist, Dr. Helen Ragsdale offers conservative, modern dental solutions so patients can achieve a healthy smile quickly but without the pain of drills and scalpels.
To learn more about our treatment methods for periodontal disease, call our office today at (512) 346-4690 to schedule an initial consultation.
