Causes of Poor Gum Health By Dr. Silvers on June 02, 2017

At Silvers Family Dental Care, we believe that healthy gums are a way of life. Studies have shown that if your gums are healthy and free from disease, you are more likely to be in good overall health. Moreover, since gum disease is the number-one cause of tooth loss in adults, good gum health can help you to keep your smile vibrant and intact for a lifetime. While restorative dentistry can return excellent oral health to even the most damaged mouths, it is far preferable to avoid gum disease to begin with.

This is one reason that the Silvers Family Dental Care team discusses the causes of poor gum health with patients of our Harrisburg, PA cosmetic, restorative, and general dentistry practice. We want our patients to know what causes the gums to be unhealthy so that they can avoid these causes and maintain the healthiest gums possible in between visits to our practice. Along with good oral hygiene regimens and twice-a-year visits to our office for thorough oral exams and professional cleanings, a little knowledge about their dental health can go a long way.

If you are interested in learning more about how you can optimize your gum health, please schedule your initial consultation at Silvers Family Dental Care today.

The Most Common Causes of Poor Gum Health

Unfortunately, poor gum health is an all-too-common problem, affecting roughly three-quarters of all people to varying degrees. This makes gum disease the most common of all diseases. For most people, it is also a preventable disease. Even those people who develop gum disease can usually have it treated quite easily if they have it diagnosed in its earliest stages. This is why it is so important to visit the dentist at least twice a year as recommended by the American Dental Association.

The most common causes of poor gum health include:

Poor oral hygiene regimens: If you aren’t brushing and flossing after every meal, using an antimicrobial mouth rinse, and visiting the dentist twice a year for professional cleanings, then you aren’t doing all that you should to rid your mouth of plaque. And you definitely aren’t ridding your mouth of tartar, the hardened form of plaque that can only be removed by a dental professional. These two bacteria-filled substances are the leading causes of gum disease.
Age: If you are over the age of 65, you are at increased risk for gum disease. While you may have no control over your age, you do have control over how often you visit the dentist for periodontal screenings.
Tobacco use: If you smoke, then it’s time you made a choice: continue to expose your gums to millions of additional bacteria with each pack you consume, or improve the health of your gums.
Bruxism: Bruxism, or chronic teeth grinding, can cause your gum tissues to break down. Bruxism is treatable.
Medications: Certain medications - antidepressants in particular - can contribute to poor gum health.