Why do you have Gum Disease?

Gum Disease and Overall Health 

Researchers have been working on the root cause of this disease for years. Today, many pieces of research confirmed that the root cause of it is the bacteria that reside on the dental plaque.

Researches have also been designed to understand the impact of periodontal disease on general health.

Recently, gum disease has been associated with many other diseases. Researchers are studying the correlation between gum disease and the following disorders.

Cardiovascular Diseases 

Periodontal disease is linked to many heart diseases. It may increase the risks of atherosclerosis and cardiac disorders. It can aggravate existing heart diseases.

Stroke

Gum disease can increase the risks of stroke that is caused by the clogging of the arteries.

Diabetes

Gum disease can also make it hard for diabetic patients to control their blood sugar levels. While those that have healthy gums can control their sugar level much easier.

Respiratory disorders

The bacteria that cause gum disease can cause lung infections. These bacteria can also aggravate respiratory disorders. These bacteria can also cause a worsening of pneumonia.

Premature Birth

Gum disease during pregnancy can cause an early birth of the infant. The baby born may be under-weight and can have other complications due to premature birth.

Cause Of Gum Disease 

Gum disease occurs due to the bacteria that reside on the plaque. Plaque is the sticky, yellowish, or colourless film that starts forming on the teeth after some time of brushing. In response to these bacteria, our immune system release a substance to eliminate these bacteria.

These substances damage the gum tissues, periodontal ligaments, and alveolar bone and cause inflammation. As a consequence, our gum begins to swell and bleed, a symptom of the initial stage of the gum disease, gingivitis. If gingivitis aggravates, it can cause the loosening of teeth. This is an advanced stage of gum disease known as periodontitis.

If you don’t follow oral hygienic measures then you are more likely to get the plaque. If you have missed the visits to your dentist, the bacteria will transmit to the bottom of the gum line.

Here the bacteria continue to grow and cause inflammation.

The inflammation causes the gum to get detached from the tooth. Space, called “pocket” is formed between the tooth and the gum. The bacteria begin to live in it and cause the hardening of plaque. If this stage remains untreated, it will damage the periodontal ligament and alveolar bone.

Over time, plaque becomes calcified and forms calculus, commonly called tartar. Due to its rough surface, more plaque begins to stick over it and forms layers. Usage of tartar-control toothpaste can prevent the calculus formation, but it can’t remove the already occurring tartar.

Risks And Prevention

Though bacteria are the main cause of gum disease, many other risk factors contribute to gum disease. The following risk factors can make your gum more susceptible to gum disease.

Genes

Your genes can make you more susceptible to gum disease than other people. But you can prevent it by adopting oral hygienic measures.

Use of Tobacco

The use of tobacco causes more accumulation of tartar on the teeth. Smokers develop more severe gum disease. This can be prevented by controlling the smoking habit.

Overcrowding of teeth

Overcrowding or misaligned teeth, brace, and bridges make it difficult to brush and floss. This can also lead to plaque and tartar formation.

Teeth Grinding

Grinding won’t cause gum disease, but the excessive press due to grinding can make the gums’ inflammation harsher.

Hormonal Imbalance

Hormonal imbalance due to the onset of puberty, pregnancy, or menopause can cause gum disease.

Diseases

Certain diseases like diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and HIV can also increase the risk of gum disease.

Medicines 

Certain medicine like those for high blood pressure and depression can also periodontal disease.

Poor Nutrition

Nutrition affects your overall health. Poor nutrition weakens your immune system and makes you more susceptible to gum inflammation and gum disease.