Gum disease can be sneaky. It might start with a little blood on your toothbrush or persistent bad breath. You might even dismiss these symptoms, but they could be the first signs of a much bigger problem. Unfortunately, many patients don’t realize they have gum disease until significant damage has already been done.
Gum disease is one of the most common oral health problems. According to the CDC, it affects nearly half of all adults over thirty. Despite these concerning numbers, gum disease can often be easily prevented and managed—with the right care, that is. Learning what contributes to the condition can be a good first step toward protecting your smile.
Let’s look at some of the top causes of gum disease Rochester patients should know about.
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1. Poor Oral Hygiene
Poor oral hygiene is one of the biggest contributing factors to gum disease, but it’s also one of the easiest to address.
When plaque—that sticky, opaque film of bacteria—builds up on your teeth and along the gum line, it can harden into tartar and irritate your gums. Over time, this irritation can cause the gums to pull away from the teeth, creating pockets where more bacteria can collect. This process leads to gingivitis (the earliest stage of gum disease) and eventually to periodontitis, a more serious condition that can cause tooth loss.
These consequences may sound scary, but preventing them is not too terribly hard. Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist for regular cleansing are simple but effective ways to protect your gums from issues like these.
2. Tobacco Use
If you use tobacco in any form, including smoking or chewing, you’re at a much greater risk for gum disease. Smoking reduces blood flow to the gums, which makes it harder for your body to fight infection and heal properly.
Tobacco use can also mask some of the early symptoms of gum disease, making it more difficult to catch the condition before it progresses. Quitting isn’t easy, but if you need another reason to stop, your gum health is a good one. Many Rochester dental patients see dramatic improvements in their oral health after giving up tobacco.
3. Hormonal Changes
Hormonal shifts can also increase your risk of gum disease, especially during certain life stages like puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. These changes can make your gums more sensitive and reactive to plaque, increasing inflammation. During these periods, it’s worth paying a bit more attention to your oral health.
Pregnancy gingivitis is especially common, affecting women in their second or third trimester. If you are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant, let your dentist know so they can help you prepare and maintain healthier gums throughout the months ahead.
4. Medical Conditions
Some health conditions can affect your gums more than you might expect! People with diabetes, for example, are more prone to all types of infections, including gum disease. The risk of infection goes up if their blood sugar levels aren’t well controlled.
Certain autoimmune conditions, like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, can also increase inflammation of the gums. Meanwhile, medications like antihistamines and antidepressants can cause dry mouth, reducing the protective effects of saliva in the mouth.
Communication is key—if you are managing chronic health conditions or taking daily medications, let your dental team know so they can factor that into your oral care plan.
5. Genetic Factors
Even with great oral hygiene routines, some people are simply more prone to developing gum disease because of their genetics. It helps to understand your family’s medical history. If gum disease runs in your family, you may have a higher risk of developing it yourself.
That doesn’t mean it’s inevitable, though! Knowing your risk can help you and your dentist stay ahead of the problem, or even avoid it altogether. Your dentist may recommend more frequent cleanings or suggest lifestyle changes to reduce your risks and keep your smile healthy. Believe us, it’s worth it.
What to Watch For at Home
Gum disease doesn’t always cause pain in the early stages. Instead, you’ll want to watch for other symptoms, including:
- Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
- Red, tender, or swollen gums
- Receding gums or teeth that look longer
- Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
- Loose or shifting teeth
If you notice any of these signs, don’t wait. Early treatment is essential to reversing and managing gum disease so it doesn’t cause permanent damage to your oral health.
Gentle Treatment for Gum Disease Rochester Patients Trust
Traditional treatments for gum disease can involve invasive procedures and stitches, leading to discomfort and long recovery times. Instead, Rochester patients can take advantage of laser gum therapy, a modern alternative to those older methods.
Laser treatment targets and removes infected tissue while leaving healthy gum tissue intact. It’s minimally invasive and reduces bleeding, discomfort, and healing time while helping restore your gum health. At Full Heart Dentistry, we deliver these advanced treatments in a judgment-free environment where you feel supported in bringing back your healthy smile.
If you’re dealing with the symptoms of gum disease or haven’t had your gums checked in a while, now is the perfect time to take action. Call our team today or schedule your appointment to learn how we can help keep your gums healthier for the long haul.