7 Causes of Gingivitis

Gingivitis is a dental issue that occurs when a person’s gums become inflamed. When untreated, it can lead to a more serious infection.

Gum Disease Treatment in Tempe

When unchecked this condition can cause the gums to separate from the teeth. However, proper and consistent oral hygiene could help you prevent this problem and maintain a healthy smile.

Causes of Gingivitis

This is easier to do if you know the causes of gum disease. Take a look at some of the most common causes of gingivitis, in order to protect your teeth and prevent dental infections.

Tobacco Products

Using tobacco products can cause the gums to break down and begin pulling away from the teeth, forming pockets. The more a person smokes, the more their supporting dental structures are destroyed. Even smokeless tobacco can cause the gums to recede.

Smoking can make it difficult to treat gingivitis, which is why people should quit smoking immediately, and develop healthy habits to use when they have the urge to smoke or use tobacco products.

Some Medications

Taking prescribed and over-the-counter medications have many unhealthy side effects, including gum swelling, dry mouth, bleeding gums, and overgrowth. These medications can be beneficial in treating many health conditions, but the prescriptions can increase your risk of developing a bacterial infection.

Some of the medications that cause gum inflammation include:

• Pain medications (Such as Aspirin)
• Blood pressure prescriptions (Including Verapamil and Amlodipine)
• Seizure medication (Phenytoin)

Broken Fillings

Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that will collect in a person’s teeth, especially in spaces and crevices around the areas of broken and rough fillings. People will often experience sharp pain in these areas, but that is not always the case. Therefore, it is important that you visit the dentist regularly to monitor your teeth and to fix dental issues, including broken fillings.

Genetic Factors

Many people have a genetic susceptibility to gingivitis but don’t know it. However, genetic testing can be done to determine your susceptibility to gum disease. As a result, an early intervention can take place to keep your oral cavity healthy.

Crooked Teeth

When your gums do not fit securely around the teeth, there is more room for bacteria to grow. The bacteria will form into plaque that causes gum disease. You will need to have the teeth removed, or corrective dental devices installed, to prevent this from happening.

Diabetes

The higher your blood sugar levels, the more likely you are to suffer from diabetes. This is a disease that reduces your ability to fight bacteria. As a result, the sugars and starches will produce more acid that wears away at your teeth and increases your risk of developing gingivitis.

Pregnancy

The hormonal changes that women experience while pregnant make their gums more sensitive to the bacteria in the plaque. If you are pregnant, you will experience swollen and tender gums that bleed when you brush or floss.

It is important to eat healthy foods and practice good oral hygiene. This can help lower your risk of suffering from gingivitis. You should also visit your family dentist on a regular basis. Remember that the best smiles begin with healthy lifestyle choices!

Noble Dental Care is accepting new patients and would love to be your Tempe dentist. Call our office today for an appointment. We look forward to meeting you!