The Causes of Gum Disease

There is only one main cause of gum disease but so many contributing factors.

Plaque, the Main Culprit

In other words....inflammation happens:(

Bacteria love to grow and live in moist and dark places which is why they love your mouth and more specifically your gum line. That "fuzzy" feeling your teeth get when you don't brush is plaque.

You might have noticed that plaque forms along your gum-line quickly. Plaque starts growing from your gums and spreads until it covers your teeth.

If you keep plaque off your teeth, you will prevent gum disease.

Smoking

Smoking dries your mouth without a normal amount of saliva, The bacteria in your mouth become more dangerous. Your saliva contains buffers that help neutralize bacteria.

Smoking impairs your circulation. Healthy blood circulation helps your body to heal by delivering oxygen and nutrients to the injured area. Your gums will not heal as fast if you smoke.

Smoking is such a major contributing factor it could almost be considered a cause.

If you smoke and have gum disease you should closely monitor your gums and will most likely need four or more dental cleanings per year.

Gum disease is only one of the reasons to stop smoking. There are many more....but you already knew that :)

Diabetes cause and treatment

Inflammation from gum disease makes diabetes and pre diabetes more difficult to control.

The reverse is also true: diabetes puts you at a higher risk for gum disease and makes gum disease harder to control.

Gum disease is at least a risk factor if not a secondary diabetes cause Treatment for gum disease is even more important for those with diabetes.

Because of the unique cause and effect of these two conditions, care for diabetes and dental care should go hand in hand.

Genetics

Gum disease treatments have come a long way. If your parents or grandparents lost their teeth at an early age it was because there were no other treatment options available at that time.

You can absolutely overcome your genetics and prevent gum disease by flossing and brushing. Dental check ups twice a year are also important for good dental health.

Medications

If you are taking a prescription medication be sure to drink plenty of water. A dry mouth is one of the causes of gum disease.

Biotene makes a line of products including toothpaste, mouth wash, and mouth spray that help improve dry mouth.

Stress

Dental calculus

Calculus is plaque that has mineralized. You can prevent calculus from forming on your teeth by brushing, flossing and having your teeth professionaly cleaned at least twice a year.

Here are two new dental care products from Philips Sonicare to help you eliminate the main cause of gum disease...plaque.

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