When we neglect our teeth, it is inevitable that there will be some trouble on the horizon. There’s no way around it – our dental health is going to be affected. And because our mouth is our first line of defense for the rest of our bodies, it is important to look after it the best we can. One of those dental maladies? Gingivitis.
Gingivitis is inflammation of the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth and is most commonly a result of poor dental hygiene. Gingivitis is a very common condition and varies widely in severity. It is characterized by red, swollen gums that bleed easily when teeth are brushed or flossed. But That isn’t the only way you can develop gingivitis – other factors that increase the risk of developing gingivitis. Here are the more common causes:
- Smoking or chewing tobacco prevents the gum tissue from being able to heal.
- Crooked, rotated, or overlapping teeth create more areas for plaque and calculus to accumulate and are harder to keep clean.
- Hormonal changes in puberty, pregnancy, and menopause typically correlate with a rise in gingivitis because the increase in hormones causes the gums’ blood vessels to become susceptible to bacterial and chemical attack.
- Cancer and cancer treatment can make a person more susceptible to infection and increase the risk of gum disease.
- Stress impairs the body’s immune response to bacterial invasion.
- Mouth breathing can be harsh on the gums when they aren’t protected by the lips, causing chronic irritation and inflammation.
- Poor nutrition, such as a diet high in sugar and carbohydrates, low in water intake, and a deficiency of important nutrients will impair healing.
- Diabetes mellitus impairs circulation and the gums’ ability to heal.
- Medications such as anti-seizure medications promote gum disease.
For more information about gingivitis, call Dr. Schneider in Mooresville, NC at 704-660-1802 or visit www.schneidersmiles.com.
Dr. Schneider proudly serve patients from Mooresville and all surrounding areas.