The leading cause of gum disease is improper oral hygiene. When you don’t brush and floss your teeth regularly, tartar remains on the teeth and turns into plaque- which causes the gums to become infected and inflamed.
However, there are several other risk factors associated with an increased risk of developing gum disease, including:
●     Tobacco products contribute to slow healing
●     Misaligned teeth are harder to keep clean and create spaces for tartar and plaque to accumulate
●     Hormonal changes cause blood vessels in gums to be more susceptible to attack by bacteria and chemicals, which increases your risk of developing gum disease. This is especially true during puberty, when the incidence of gingivitis increases to 70% to 90%.
●     Cancer and treatments for cancer can increase your risk of infection and gum disease
●     Alcohol has a negative impact on oral defense mechanisms
●     Stress impacts your body’s immune response
●     Mouth breathing can cause gums to be irritated and inflamed because they are not protected by the lips
●     Poor nutrition and hydration can cause plaque to form- especially if your diet is high in sugars and simple carbs and low innutrients such as vitamin C
●     Underlying health conditions such as diabetes canimpact circulation and the ability of your gums to heal
●     Certain medications, such as those for seizures,can increase the risk of gum disease
●     Infrequent or no dental careDry mouth/poor production of saliva

Gingivitis

The most common cause of gingivitis is improper dental hygiene. This is the earliest stage of gum disease. Many patients have gum disease and don’t know it because they have few to no symptoms. However, your gums may bleed or turn red and swell when brushing and flossing. It is critical to treat gum disease at this point before it escalates into periodontitis, which is an advanced form of gum disease.

Periodontitis

There are three levels of periodontitis (mild, moderate, severe), which is a more advanced form of gum disease. When gingivitis is not properly addressed, patients develop periodontitis. This condition occurs when plaque gets below the gum line, producing toxins that trigger inflammation. By the time gum disease reaches this point, you’ll notice your gums receding, and gaps around your teeth will deepen. You may experience bone damage and tooth loss.

When Should You See a Dentist?

Gum disease is a common condition. In fact, many patients at Luminescence Dentistry have it and don’t even realize it. As long as it is detected early on before it progresses into something more serious, it’s easy to treat. If you have any of the following symptoms, you should schedule an appointment with our clinic right away.

Red/Swollen/Bleeding Gums

This is typically the first indication that you have a problem. Some patients notice some blood in the sink when they spit after brushing their teeth. Others may see redness along their gum line. If you have these symptoms or your gums are irritated and swollen, see a dentist as soon as possible.

Receding Gums

Another common sign of gum disease is receding gums. If your teeth look longer or you can see your gums separating from your teeth, you may have gum disease and should see a dentist. Most patients believe that receding gums are just part of the aging process, but they can also be an indication of a dental problem.

Persistent Pain

In some cases, patients have pain before any other signs of gum disease appear. In addition to the pain, you may have pus, mouth sores, or bad breath.
If you have any of these symptoms, contact a dentist immediately.