Gum disease is a multi-factorial and progressive ailment that leads to oral health problems such as tooth loss, inflammation, abscesses, and periodontal bone destruction. There are many causes of gum disease. Once you identify any symptoms of gum disease, it would be better to consult a dentist in Fort Myers, FL, at the earliest.
A dentist will be able to diagnose the condition and prescribe a proper treatment plan to prevent further infection or tooth loss. This can usually be done with a few simple steps like professional cleaning of the teeth, brushing, flossing, and home care to prevent the recurrence of gum disease.
We will now see into the common causes of gum disease.
- Poor dental hygiene
People often ignore their teeth, especially when there are no signs of gum disease. They do not bother to go for professional checkups of their teeth. They just brush and floss once in a while. This is very bad because regular dental checkups can locate the early stages of gum disease and take steps to prevent any health problems. Once neglected, it becomes hard to treat gum disease, even under the care of an experienced dentist.
- Tobacco use
Smoking has been identified as the major cause of gum disease. Tobacco smoking causes a severe inflammatory reaction in the gums that is often associated with bleeding and other symptoms of inflammation. The bacteria present in tobacco smoke also cause infection leading to tooth loss.
- Diabetes and underlying medical issues
Diabetes, HIV, and other connective tissue disorders are also known to cause gum disease. The patient may not be aware of the underlying medical condition that causes the inflammation of the gums. In some cases, gum disease can lead to further health problems like heart disease. This can be fatal for diabetic patients.
- Chronic stress and poor diet
Chronic stress often leads to poor nutrition in the body. The lack of proper nutrients is known to weaken the immune system, making a person susceptible to gum disease. Nutrition plays a vital role in building disease resistance.
- Certain medications
Blood thinners and antidepressants can weaken the gums, which leads to gum disease. If a patient is on medication that weakens their immune system, they are much more prone to infections like gum disease. Topical fluoride treatments are known to slow or reverse gum disease in some people.