According to the American Dental Association, gum diseases occur because bacteria and germs settle in the small gaps between your teeth and where you gums meet your teeth. Untreated gum disease can cause these gaps to become larger, which may eventually cause you to lose some of your teeth. Regular dental check-ups, as well as understanding what causes gum disease, can help you maintain good oral health.
Poor Brushing Habits
Plaque is the sticky substance that clings to your teeth after you eat or if you do not brush your teeth properly, reports the Mayo Clinic. Plaque is able to flourish when you consume starchy and sugary foods that then come into contact with the bacteria already living on your teeth and gums. When you do not brush your teeth well at least two times per day, plaque is not removed from your teeth. Plaque that is allowed to remain on your teeth for longer than three days begins to form into tartar and takes residence in the pockets between your teeth and gums. If you do not remove the plaque and tartar it can cause your gums to become red and inflamed. Ongoing plaque and tarter can lead to more serious gum disease resulting in the loss of tissue and bone.
Dental Devices
There are several reasons why you may wear a dental device, including a missing tooth or a mouth injury. Dental devices worn every day, such as flippers or bridges, can cause gum disease, reports the American Dental Association. This is particularly true if the device sits on your gum line so your tissue and teeth do not receive oxygen. As the dental device sits along the gum line, more bacteria are able to collect and grow, leading to red and inflamed gums. Improper care of the dental device can also cause bacteria and germs to proliferate, eventually leading to gum disease.
Unhealthy Diet
A diet filled with sugary and processed foods can increase the amount of plaque build-up on your teeth, which may eventually cause gum disease, notes the Mayo Clinic. Eating foods high in sugar, such as cakes, cookies and candy, allows the sugary substances to settle on your teeth. If you do not brush right away, the sugar begins to coat the teeth, degrading the health of the mouth. Eating a well-balanced diet that focuses on healthy ingredients, rather than sugary ones, can help prevent gum disease from starting, reports the American Dental Association.
