Just as important as keeping your teeth clean and fresh is ensuring that your gums are equally as healthy and strong. This is because unhealthy and inflamed gums are far more susceptible to infection, which can not only directly affect the state of your oral health but also your entire body. Unfortunately, gum disease is all too common, leading to almost half of all Americans over the age of 30 having some form of it.
Also called periodontal disease, gum disease can cause consistently bad breath, swollen gums that bleed frequently, and can even disrupt the alignment and health of your teeth. But what causes gum disease to happen in the human body? Well, here are a few common answers:
Genetic Predispositions
Though a stellar oral hygiene routine is essential regardless, some individual’s genetics can play a big role in their susceptibility to periodontal disease. Most commonly, this is caused by a naturally less efficient or weakened immune system. An easy way to determine if you have a genetic predisposition for gum disease is to check if you have a family history of it.
An Unhealthy Diet
Maintaining an unhealthy diet is also a common reason that individuals are more prone to developing periodontal disease. Excessive sugar intake can provide much-needed nutrients for the harmful bacteria in your mouth, and a deficiency of vitamins like Vitamin C can weaken your body’s ability to fight those bacteria off.
Frequent Tobacco Use
Smoking is the ultimate way to harm your oral health in innumerable ways, including periodontal disease. The smoke from tobacco reduces blood flow to your gums, impairs your immune system, and generally makes you more susceptible to bacterial infections.
Poor or Inadequate Oral Hygiene
Of course, completely neglecting or not doing enough for your gums and teeth is another common cause of rapidly onsetting gum disease. Through quality, daily oral hygiene routines, as well as regular checkups with Dr. Winter, you can keep plaque, tarter, and other bacterial buildups that lead to gum disease at bay.
Resolve Your Gum Disease at Hampton Dental Associates S.C where we want to help you smile for your lifetime!
If you’re dealing with a case of gum disease or are looking for preventative care to avoid it, be sure to reach out to Dr. Richard Winter today at 414-464-9021. His fantastic record of first-class dental care has earned him the Mastership Award in the Academy of General Dentistry and has made him one of the most sought-after dentists in Milwaukee, WI. If you are in need of extractions, Dr. Winter is board certified in Implant Dentistry through the ABOI and he will discuss options for your missing teeth. See our photo gallery at www.hamptondentalassociates.com to see how we create beautiful smiles every day.
