What Causes Gum Disease

What Causes Gum Disease

Gum disease (also known as periodontal disease) is an infection of the tissues that support your teeth. It usually starts with the buildup of bacteria-filled plaque on your teeth and gums. Over time, if plaque isn’t removed, it can harden into tartar and cause serious inflammation and infection.

Here’s a detailed look at what causes gum disease and the main factors that increase your risk.

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🧫 1. Plaque Buildup — The Primary Cause

• Plaque is a sticky, colorless film of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth.

• When you eat foods high in sugar or starch, the bacteria in plaque produce acids that irritate your gums.

• Without daily brushing and flossing, plaque builds up along the gumline, leading to gingivitis — the earliest stage of gum disease.

💡 If plaque isn’t removed, it hardens into tartar (calculus), which can only be removed by a dentist or hygienist.

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⚠️ 2. Poor Oral Hygiene

• Not brushing twice daily or flossing once a day allows bacteria and food debris to stay on your teeth.

• Over time, this leads to inflammation, infection, and gum recession.

Regular dental cleanings help remove tartar that you can’t reach at home.

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🚬 3. Tobacco Use

• Smoking or chewing tobacco greatly increases your risk.

• Tobacco reduces blood flow to the gums, slowing healing and weakening your body’s ability to fight infection.

Smokers are 2–6 times more likely to develop gum disease than non-smokers.

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🍭 4. Poor Diet and Nutrition

• A diet low in vitamins C and D, calcium, and antioxidants weakens gum tissue.

• Sugary snacks and drinks feed the bacteria that cause plaque buildup.

Eating fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins supports gum health.

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💊 5. Certain Medications

• Some medications (like antihistamines, antidepressants, and blood pressure drugs) can cause dry mouth (xerostomia).

• Saliva normally helps wash away food particles and bacteria — without it, plaque forms more easily.

Ask your dentist about saliva substitutes or sugar-free gum to keep your mouth moist.

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⚖️ 6. Hormonal Changes

• Changes during puberty, pregnancy, menstruation, or menopause can make gums more sensitive and prone to inflammation.

Pregnant women, especially, are more likely to experience pregnancy gingivitis due to hormonal shifts.

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🧬 7. Genetics

• Some people are genetically more prone to gum disease, even with good oral care.

Regular dental checkups and professional cleanings are crucial if it runs in your family.

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💉 8. Health Conditions

• Diseases like diabetes, HIV/AIDS, and other immune disorders weaken your body’s ability to fight infection.

• People with uncontrolled diabetes have a higher risk of severe gum disease.

Managing these conditions can help reduce your gum disease risk.

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🦷 9. Misaligned Teeth or Faulty Dental Work

• Crooked teeth, crowded teeth, or poor-fitting crowns and bridges can make it harder to clean properly.

• Plaque easily hides in tight or uneven areas, encouraging gum infection.

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🧃 10. Stress and Poor Sleep

• Chronic stress weakens your immune system, making it harder to fight gum infections.

• Grinding your teeth (bruxism) due to stress can also damage gum tissue.

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🕒 Summary: Main Causes of Gum Disease

🧫 Plaque and tartar buildup
🪥 Poor oral hygiene
🚬 Tobacco use
🍭 Unhealthy diet
💊 Certain medications
⚖️ Hormonal changes
🧬 Genetics
💉 Chronic diseases (like diabetes)
🦷 Misaligned teeth or bad dental work
😴 Stress or lack of sleep

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❤️ Bottom Line

Gum disease starts with plaque, but it’s influenced by many lifestyle and health factors.
The good news? With daily brushing, flossing, healthy habits, and regular dental checkups, you can prevent gum disease entirely — and keep your smile strong for years to come. 

Plaque is the primary cause of gum disease. However, other factors can contribute to periodontal disease as well. These include:

* Hormonal changes, such as those occurring during pregnancy, puberty, menopause, and monthly menstruation, make gums more sensitive, which makes it easier for gingivitis to develop.
* Illnesses may affect the condition of your gums. This includes diseases such as cancer or HIV that interfere with the immune system. Because diabetes affects the body's ability to use blood sugar, patients with this disease are at higher risk of developing infections, including periodontal disease.
* Medications can affect oral health because some lessen the flow of saliva, which has a protective effect on teeth and gums. Some drugs, such as the anticonvulsant medication Dilantin and the anti-angina drug Procardia and Adalat, can cause abnormal growth of gum tissue.
* Bad habits such as smoking make it harder for gum tissue to repair itself.
* Poor oral hygiene habits such as not brushing and flossing on a daily basis, make it easier for gingivitis to develop.
* Family history of dental disease can be a contributing factor for the development of gingivitis.

What Causes Gum Disease Video: