The 7 Guilty Suspects Of Gum Disease

As a top dentists here in Derby, we’re not just experts in dental treatments like teeth whitening or braces. We’re also knowledgeable and experienced in all things oral health, from the best types of toothbrush and toothpaste to use, to tips and techniques for correct brushing. Today, we’re talking about gum disease – what it is, how to avoid it, and what’s most likely to cause it.

What is gum disease?

Gum disease is quite simply redness and swelling of the gums, occasionally with bad breath and bleeding. If untreated, it can worsen over time and lead to periodontitis, where the gums start to recede and the teeth fall out. In the worst cases, it can also develop into bone recession.

What causes gum disease?

There are seven ‘guilty suspects’ of gum disease – that is, seven common causes. We’ll touch on each briefly in this blog.

1. First, comes plaque build-up – arguably the most common cause. This is often due to improper technique, lack of oral care and diet.
2. Next on the list is tobacco. Whether you chew it, smoke it or vape it, tobacco has long been linked with gum disease. Our Derby dentists can offer advice on how to cut down or quit if this is a problem for you.
3. Third is, surprisingly, pregnancy and other hormonal shifts. Pregnant women are advised to have extra check-ups as the tissues and bones that keep your teeth in position temporarily loosen, thanks to estrogen and progesterone increases.
4. We’re halfway through the list now, and onto nutritional deficiencies. As we’ve mentioned, diet can play a big role in the health of your mouth, teeth and gums. If you’re not getting enough vitamin C, for example, it can lead to a disease called scurvy where the teeth eventually fall out.
5. Now for number five, and its crooked teeth. Why? Because problems with your smile’s alignment can make it harder to clean between those important nooks and crannies, leading to the plaque build-up we touched on in point 1.
6. The penultimate cause on our list? Medication. Some of these have been linked to gum disease, so it’s important to discuss any medications with your doctor and ensure that you can compensate with supplements if you’re affecting vitamin and nutrient intake.
7. Finally, on the list, it’s family history. Unfortunately, genetics can often play a role in the types of conditions we develop, and gum disease is one of them. However, knowing that you might inherit some gum disease preconditions – like number 5’s crooked teeth – means you can actively work to prevent it.

How can I avoid gum disease?

Firstly, brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes a time. Secondly, eat healthy – and either cut down or quit habits like smoking. Finally, attend regular dental check-ups, like with our Derby dentists. After all, your teeth are for life.

Contact us!

Get in touch with our expert periodontists at our Dental practice in Derby today