Did you know that gum disease doesn’t always develop from poor oral hygiene? Granted, a lack of proper dental care is one of the leading reasons for gum disease development, yet a number of alternative factors also increase your risk of the oral ailment.
To teach his patients about the other causes of gum disease, Dr. James Stewart, your Livonia dentist provides this post.
Know the Cause of Gum Disease
- Changes in hormones. Women and teens have an increased risk of developing gum disease due to the major changes in hormones. For women, pregnancy has been known to cause small bouts of gum disease. This is why dentists usually recommend that pregnant women come into the office every three months during their pregnancy to monitor any changes in their oral health.
As for teenagers, the burst of hormones into the body tends to decrease the immune system, which makes the development of gum disease possible. - Tobacco use. Smoking, chewing tobacco, and any other type of tobacco products can wreak havoc upon your oral health. Using tobacco products decreases your ability to fight infections, which makes you more susceptible to oral illness and diseases. Furthermore, smoking interferes with your ability to heal; that alone makes it increasingly difficult to rid your mouth of gum disease.
- Genetics. According to your Livonia dentist, sometimes the cause of periodontal disease has everything to do with genetics. Patients who have a family history of gum disease have a greater likelihood of developing the oral ailment.
- Diet. A diet that’s low in nutrients tends to bring down your mouth’s defenses against diseases. To increase your intake of vitamins and minerals, try eating vitamin C rich foods like oranges and grapefruits, since vitamin C helps rebuild oral tissues. Also, you can opt for a multivitamin to reap the same benefits.
Visit Your Livonia Dentist for Gum Disease Treatment
If you display signs of gum disease and need treatment, visit Dr. Stewart. After an oral exam, he can discuss the possible causes for your bout of gum disease. To schedule an appointment with our Livonia dental practice at (734) 425-4400. Also, visit our website to view services, testimonials, and print patient forms. We look forward to treating patients from Farmington Hills, Plymouth, Northville, Dearborn Heights, Garden City, and surrounding areas.