Gum Disease: Major Causes

Gum disease affects many adults, and it is generally caused by poor oral hygiene, which enables bacteria to get to work, and gum disease can come in several forms. Gingivitis is the inflammation of the outer gum tissue, and it always precedes periodontitis, and by treating immediately, you can avoid any further issues.

What Is Poor Oral Hygiene?

Any person that does not brush their teeth after every meal, in the morning and last thing at night is allowing for bacteria to begin to reproduce, and the longer you go between brushing, the more damage it can do. Flossing is also important, as this removes slivers of food that get trapped between the teeth, and flossing should always follow brushing. 

The use of an antiseptic mouthwash on a daily basis is another way to keep the inside of your mouth clean, and with pressure from your jaw muscles, you can force the mouthwash into those hard to reach areas. You can check with clinics such as the Tewantin Dental Centre Noosa based dentist available for you, especially when you have yet to register with a local dentist. For sure, there are clinics who have been serving your local community for many years and which cover all aspects of dentistry.

Plaque Build-Up:

Not brushing after every meal allows for plaque, a sticky substance, to form on the teeth and gums, and this is the perfect platform for germs to reproduce. Over a period of time, irregular brushing will likely lead to tooth decay, and possible gum disease, which usually accompanies tooth decay. When you consume food or drink that has a high level of sugar, the bacteria within the plaque use this as nourishment, and the by-products are acids that eat away at the tooth enamel, eventually requiring fillings.

Lifestyles That Promote Gum Disease:

If you smoke, drink alcohol or have a sugary diet, you are most at risk of contracting some form of gum disease, yet you can indulge to a degree if you have the right oral hygiene practices in place. Rinsing your mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash after consuming sugary food or drink will certainly help, and by brushing after every meal, you are reducing the risk of gum disease. Your local dentist would have some literature on best oral hygiene practices, which will help you to create the right routine.

Age-Related:

Gum disease is more prevalent in older people, which doesn’t mean that young people are not affected, but generally speaking, the older you are, the more likely you are to encounter gum disease. Pregnant women are more likely to have a plaque build-up, as the hormones are unbalanced, and oral hygiene sometimes suffers, thanks to eating strange foods.

The Importance of A Good Oral Hygiene Routine:

The best way to prevent gum disease is to follow a strict oral hygiene routine, which includes:

• brushing every morning and at night

• brushing and flossing after every meal

• daily use of antiseptic mouthwash

If you have an annual check-up at your local dental clinic, the dentist would notice if there are any issues, and by adopting the right oral care routine, you are drastically reducing the risk of gum disease.