Causes of Gum Disease

Although gum disease can be caused by a number of factors, poor oral hygiene is the most common cause. Not brushing your teeth properly or regularly, can cause plaque to build up on your teeth. Your mouth is full of bacteria and combined with saliva, a sticky film known as plaque starts building up.

Bacteria in plaques turn carbohydrates into the energy they need and produce acid simultaneously. Over time, the acid in plaque begins to break down your tooth’s surface and causes tooth decay. Bacteria in plaque also irritate your gums, causing inflammation and pain.

Brushing and flossing efficiently removes plaque, but it can harden and form a substance called tartar if it’s not removed. Tartar sticks much more firmly to teeth and can usually only be removed by a dentist.

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Common Signs of Gum Disease

• Red, tender, and swollen gums that bleed during brushing or flossing

• Constant bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth

• Receding gum line

• Gums are pulling away from teeth

• Pockets forming in gums

• Changes in your bite or teeth alignment

• Loose teeth

The main goal of treatment is to control the infection. The number and types of treatments will vary, depending on the extent of the gum disease. Any treatment requires that the patient keep up well daily.

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When I eat hard fruit, my teeth are bleeding. What should I do?

For gingival diseases, dental care is critical. When you have dental care, you can see these bleeds while hard fruit takes place due to plates formed between teeth and gums. Even a simple dentifrice may be the treatment that can stop these bleeds.