The main cause of periodontal (gum) disease is plaque, but other factors affect the health of your gums.
Periodontal (gum) diseases, including gingivitis and periodontitis, are serious infections that, left untreated, can lead to tooth loss. Periodontal disease can affect one tooth or many teeth. The main cause of periodontal disease is bacterial plaque, a sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth. However, factors like the following also affect the health of your gums.
Smoking/Tobacco Use
As you probably already know, tobacco use is linked with many serious illnesses such as cancer, lung disease and heart disease, as well as numerous other health problems. What you may not know is that tobacco users also are at increased risk for periodontal disease. In fact, recent studies have shown that tobacco use may be one of the most significant risk factors in the development and progression of periodontal disease.
- Smoking and Periodontal Disease
- Research on the Oral Health Effects of Smoking
- Cigar and Pipe Smoking Are as Dangerous as Cigarettes to Periodontal Health
- Smokers Have Lower Success Rates with Periodontal Treatment
- Study Shows Yet Another Reason Why Quitters Are Winners
- Periodontists Encourage Patients To Quit Smoking Habit
Genetics
Research proves that up to 30% of the population may be genetically susceptible to gum disease. Despite aggressive oral care habits, these people may be six times more likely to develop periodontal disease. Identifying these people with a genetic test before they even show signs of the disease and getting them into early interventive treatment may help them keep their teeth for a lifetime.
- Study Finds Substantial Genetic Basis for Risk of Periodontal Disease
- Genetic Marker Common in People of European Heritage Doesn't Explain High Rates of Periodontal Disease in Chinese
- Families and Periodontal Disease
Puberty, Pregnancy and Menopause in Women
A woman's health needs are unique. Though brushing and flossing daily, a healthy diet, and regular exercise are important for oral health throughout life, there are certain times in a woman's life when extra care is needed—times when you mature and change such as puberty or menopause, and times when you have special health needs, such as menstruation or pregnancy. During these particular times, a woman's body experiences hormonal changes that can affect many of the tissues in your body, including the gums. Your gums can become sensitive, and at times react strongly to the hormonal fluctuations. This may make you more susceptible to gum disease. Additionally, recent studies suggest that pregnant women with gum disease are seven times more likely to deliver preterm, low birth weight babies.
- Periodontal Diseases Should Concern Women of All Ages
- Women and Periodontal Disease
- Research on Periodontal Disease During Pregnancy
- Oral Health Advice for Mothers-to-Be
- Dental Procedure May Reduce Risk of Premature Births
- Menstrual Cycle Affects Periodontal Health
- Postmenopause and Periodontal Disease: What Women Need to Know
- A Mouthful of Reasons to Consider Hormone Replacement Therapy
Stress
As you probably already know, stress is linked to many serious conditions such as hypertension, cancer, and numerous other health problems. What you may not know is that stress also is a risk factor for periodontal disease. Research demonstrates that stress can make it more difficult for the body to fight off infection, including periodontal diseases.
- Stress May Leave Your Mouth a Mess
- Chronic Stress, Depression and Cortisol Levels Are Potential Risk Indicators for Periodontal Disease
- Identifying Patients' Stress Coping Behavior Key to Treatment Outcomes
- Financial Stress Doubles Periodontal Disease Risk
- Researchers Find Clinical Depression May Have Negative Effect on Periodontal Treatment Outcome
Medications
Some drugs, such as oral contraceptives, anti-depressants, and certain heart medicines, can affect your oral health. Just as you notify your pharmacist and other health care providers of all medicines you are taking and any changes in your overall health, you should also inform your dental care provider.
- Steroid Abuse Harms Gingival Tissues
- Serious Oral Post-Surgical Complication Identified in Patient on Commonly Prescribed Therapy for Osteopenia
- Common Treatment for Acne May Cause the Appearance of Discolored Gums
- Patients Taking Medication for High Blood Pressure Benefit from Frequent Dental Care
Clenching or Grinding Your Teeth
Has anyone ever told you that you grind your teeth at night? Is your jaw sore from clenching your teeth when you're taking a test or solving a problem at work? Clenching or grinding your teeth can put excess force on the supporting tissues of the teeth and could speed up the rate at which these periodontal tissues are destroyed.
Diabetes
Diabetes is a disease that causes altered levels of sugar in the blood. Diabetes develops from either a deficiency in insulin production (a hormone that is the key component in the body's ability to use blood sugars) or the body's inability to use insulin correctly. According to the American Diabetes Association, approximately 16 million Americans have diabetes; however, more than half have not been diagnosed with this disease. If you are diabetic, you are at higher risk for developing infections, including periodontal diseases. These infections can impair the ability to process and/or utilize insulin, which may cause your diabetes to be more difficult to control and your infection to be more severe than a non-diabetic.
- Research on the Links Between Diabetes and Periodontal Disease
- More Severe Periodontal Disease Poses Additional Threat to Pregnant Diabetics
- Controlled Diabetics Have New Reason to Smile
- Diabetes: The Mouth-Body Connection
Other Systemic Diseases
Diseases that interfere with the body's immune system may worsen the condition of the gums.
- The Mouth Body Connection
- Millions of Americans May Be at Risk for Serious Health Problems Due to Gum Disease
- Why Periodontal Disease May Pose a Risk to Your Health
- Research on Heart Disease and Periodontal Disease
- People With Rheumatoid Arthritis Have More Periodontal Disease
- Study Suggests Kindler Patients Have Three Times the Amount of Periodontal Destruction Than Healthy Patients
- Researchers Identify Periodontitis in Marfan's Syndrome Patient
Poor Nutrition and Obesity
As you may already know, a diet low in important nutrients can compromise the body's immune system and make it harder for the body to fight off infection. Because periodontal disease is a serious infection, poor nutrition can worsen the condition of your gums.