What Causes Periodontal Disease?

Gum Disease
By Nelson Ridge Family Dental

Periodontal disease is commonly referred to as gum disease. It is essentially an infection that affects the gums and can lead to potential tooth loss if left untreated. At the initial stage, which is known as gingivitis, the symptoms are barely visible and do not usually cause an alarm. When the infection spreads and the disease worsens, you start feeling extreme pain. Gum disease does not stay limited to your oral cavity. It can expose your bloodstream to these harmful microbes and affect your overall health as well. Hence, it is important to identify the causes and prevent the onset of the disease.

What Is Periodontal Disease?

Before jumping into the causes we first need to understand what is periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is an infection of the gum tissues that occur in different stages. The first stage is known as gingivitis in which you experience mild symptoms. The advanced stages are called periodontitis and you might suffer from bleeding gums in these levels. 

Periodontal Disease Stages

Now that we know what is periodontal disease let us jump to periodontal disease stages. Gum disease can be divided into four stages depending on the intensity of the infection. They are 

  • Gingivitis
  • Early Periodontitis
  • Moderate Periodontitis
  • Advanced Periodontitis

In the first stage, the disease can be reversed. However, as it advances to the later stages it becomes increasingly difficult to manage the infection. 

What Causes Periodontal Disease?

Now that we have some clarity regarding what is periodontal disease and the stages, let us find out what causes periodontal disease.

Lack Of Proper Oral Care

Poor oral hygiene the main reason behind your gum infection. Irregular brushing and flossing lead to plaque accumulation. Over time, the accumulated plaque can harden into tartar and increase the risk of gum disease. A proper oral care routine, therefore, is extremely important to avert bacterial infection. You can also complement your oral care routine with regular dental cleanings from your New Lenox dentist.

Use Of Tobacco

Smoking and chewing tobacco can seriously damage your oral as well as your overall health. Smoking is not just harmful to the gums. It can damage your gum tissues and negatively affect your immune system. Want to reverse gum disease? Avoid tobacco and you are good to go!

Overcrowding In Your Mouth

An overcrowded mouth can make it very difficult to remove stuck food particles. A misaligned teeth structure can lead to several dental complications including gum disease. Are you suffering from a misaligned teeth structure? Consult your New Lenox dentist to understand how to properly care for an overcrowded oral cavity. 

Usage of Certain Medications

Some specific medicines can make you susceptible to gum disease. They decrease saliva production thereby causing dry mouth. A dry mouth acts as the ideal breeding ground for harmful microbes. Some of them can also lead to abnormal growths in your gum tissue. Are you experiencing these symptoms? Consult your New Lenox Dentist immediately.

Underlying Health Conditions

Your underlying illnesses might affect your oral health negatively. Diseases such as HIV and cancer can increase your risk of suffering from a gum infection. Diabetes can also make you susceptible to bacterial infections in your oral cavity. If you are suffering from some underlying health condition, then it is best to consult your dentist in New Lenox as a preventive measure.

We hope this blog by our dentists at Nelson Ridge Family Dental has helped you to identify what causes periodontal disease. Looking for the best gum treatment in New Lenox, IL? Get in touch with us at Nelson Ridge Family Dental today! Our dedicated team of dental experts will provide you premium dental care.