Periodontal Disease: Unleashing the Potential Causes 

Posted On November 2, 2023

Your gums are the most important supporting structures that help anchor your teeth. A healthy scalloped gum shape also imparts an aesthetic appearance to your overall facial profile and smile. However, this can be compromised during gum disease, which can significantly hamper your oral health and aesthetics if not treated promptly. Knowing the root cause of the disease is a key factor in designing an appropriate treatment plan because only symptomatic relief cannot help. 

The family dentist in Denver and their team help provide you with a detailed understanding of gum or periodontal disease and what causes it. 

What is periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is a progressive destruction of the surrounding gum tissues. It initially begins as an inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) and may gradually progress to the underlying jawbone, causing permanent damage (periodontitis).   

Elaborate the causes of periodontal disease 

The following are some of the possible causes of periodontal disease: 

Genetic factors

• You are likely to suffer from periodontal disease six times more if you have a family history (if a family member suffers from it).

Poor oral hygiene

• Lack of good oral habits leads to bacterial infiltration and plaque formation. 
• Plaque and bacteria coexist, leading to the secretion of harmful toxins and acids, causing gingivitis or periodontitis. 

Excessive smoking and tobacco use

• Smokers are more prone to gingival inflammation and bone loss since the wound healing ability is greatly compromised.

Hormonal changes

• Hormonal imbalance, as seen during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause, can wreak havoc on your oral health due to inflammation and bleeding gums. 

Chronic stress 

• Stress greatly lowers the ability of your immune system to fight off disease. 
• Your body’s defense mechanism is compromised, which causes gum disease. 

Improper diet

• A poorly balanced diet or malnutrition can also play a vital role in causing gum disease due to impaired healing ability.  

Underlying medical conditions

• Certain health conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, or respiratory disease can increase your risk of periodontal disease. 
• This is due to a compromised ability to fight infections and delayed wound healing. 

Medications

• Drugs such as antihypertensives, oral contraceptive pills, steroids, heart medicines, and antidepressants can negatively affect the overall health of the teeth and gums. 
• They facilitate bacterial colonization and cause gingival swelling (hyperplasia).

Bruxism

• Abnormal grinding or clenching of teeth is believed to damage the supporting tissue surrounding the teeth. 
• This can happen due to aging or exertion of extreme occlusal forces. 

Takeaway 

Periodontal disease is a common dental problem suffered by many globally. Understanding the cause is crucial, which paves the way for a successful treatment plan and also for preventing the disease in the future.