Introduction
The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research estimates that over 80 percent of the American adult population suffers from some form of gum disease. With so many people affected by this disease, it is important to understand what causes gum disease and what can be done to lessen its severity or prevent it from occurring at all. Healthy gums are not only an important part of good oral care, but are also necessary in ensuring a healthy body.
Definition
Gum disease is also known as periodontal disease. Included in this group of diseases are gingivitis and periodontitis, which can affect one tooth or many teeth. Gum disease is caused by many things, but is mainly due to a buildup of plaque, which is a film that covers the teeth and harbors bacteria. These diseases can trigger a range of issues, from inflamed gums to infection and eventual loss of the bones and other tissues that support the teeth.
Causes
According to the American Academy of Periodontology, tobacco use may be one of the most significant causes of gum disease. Use of tobacco products such as cigarettes can block the amount of oxygen available to the gum tissue. This decrease in oxygen supply causes bacteria to grow more rapidly on the gums, leading to gum disease.
Geneticists have found that as much as 30 percent of the population may have a genetic predisposition for gum disease. Although those in this group may have excellent dental care and oral health habits, they are more likely to contract gum disease than those who do not carry these genes. Genetic testing is available to determine whether or not someone is a carrier of the gene, which can be of assistance in early treatment of the disease to lessen its severity.
Stress is behind many ailments, including gum disease. Stress hampers the body's ability to fight infection because it suppresses the immune system. Due to the bacterial properties of plaque, gum disease can be a result of prolonged stress on the body.
Some birth control medication, heart medication and antidepressants can cause susceptibility to gum disease. This is because these medications cause a decrease in saliva production. Saliva is the body's way of removing harmful bacteria from the mouth. Thus, when saliva is not produced, the bacteria remain on the teeth in the form of plaque, leading to gum disease.
Clenching and grinding of the teeth can cause gum disease because of the extreme force these actions exert on the tissues supporting teeth. These actions cause the speed of gum disease to increase.
Diseases such as diabetes and any disease that suppresses the immune system are prime sources of gum disease. As with stress, a disease that weakens the immune system inhibits the body's ability to fight of infection, which can lead to the onset of gum disease through bacterial buildup due to plaque. Poor diet and obesity also hinder the immune system and can cause gum disease as well.
In women, gum disease can be caused by hormonal changes. These hormonal changes, which often take place at puberty, during pregnancy and in menopause, affect the tissues of the body, including gum tissues. Gums may be more sensitive during changes in hormone levels and are more prone to developing gum disease.
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