{"id":589,"date":"2016-11-05T00:51:39","date_gmt":"2016-11-05T00:51:39","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.davidkaodds.com\/blog\/?p=589"},"modified":"2020-09-04T07:34:56","modified_gmt":"2020-09-04T07:34:56","slug":"top-causes-of-gum-disease","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.davidkaodds.com\/blog\/top-causes-of-gum-disease\/","title":{"rendered":"Top Causes of Gum Disease"},"content":{"rendered":"

A smile is one of the most powerful things in the world. It can indicate something as simple as a common greeting to a feeling that literally cannot be put into words. That\u2019s why it\u2019s a shame that many people neglect to properly take care of their gums. When most hear the phrase \u201cdental hygiene\u201d they think of their teeth. While it is important to take good care of your teeth, dental hygiene also concerns your gums. In this article, we will explore the top causes of gum disease, gingivitis, and healthy gums preventative tips. If you\u2019re concerned about your gums and would like to ensure they are healthy, schedule a consultation with our best oral surgeon in downtown Los Angeles today.<\/span><\/p>\n

What Exactly are Gums?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Your gums are the structural tissue that anchor your teeth. Gums, or gingiva, are made up of mucosal tissue that coats the skeletal ridge of tooth sockets in the oral cavity. Think of them as a covering sealant for the bones of your teeth. There are two kinds of gingiva, marginal and attached. Marginal gingiva is the thin band of inner gum tissue that forms a delicate barrier around the neck of the tooth. Marginal gingiva is soft and flexible. Attached gingiva refers to the mucous membrane bound atop the tooth. This is often what you picture, when you think of gums.<\/span><\/p>\n

Working in conjunction with other soft tissues in the mouth, your gums keep your teeth in line, self-cleanse your mouth, and double as a shock absorber for your pearly whites.<\/span><\/p>\n

Causes of Gum Disease<\/span><\/h2>\n

Our mouths are absolutely filled with bacteria. When you think about how vulnerable the inside of our mouth is and just how exposed it is to the contaminants of the outside world, it\u2019s shouldn\u2019t come as surprise. Over time, this can cause plaque buildup on the teeth. While nobody likes discolored teeth, this can lead to much more serious problems. Gum disease is not necessarily age-specific but after the age of 35, the risks increase. Doctors believe that over 2\/3 of Americans may have gum disease and likely don\u2019t even know it.<\/span><\/p>\n

Gingivitis<\/span><\/h3>\n

When plaque buildup occurs on the teeth and is left uncared for, it becomes much more damaging. This plaque can lead to the inflammation of the gums or, Gingivitis. While Gingivitis is not uncommon and generally doesn\u2019t cause too much discomfort, it can lead to problems that do. Often caused by insufficient dental hygiene habits, Gingivitis is one of the leading causes of gum disease and produces swollen gums that become red and are prone to bleed easily. Many people are not even aware that they have this condition until their gums begin to be physically irritated. It is always best to stay ahead of these circumstances, as left untreated, can get out of hand over time.<\/span><\/p>\n

Periodontitis<\/span><\/h3>\n

Periodontitis, or Periodontal Disease<\/a>, is what happens when Gingivitis gets out of hand and is one of the leading causes of gum disease. As we know, Gingivitis is the inflammation of the gums due to bacterial exposure. When these toxins are able to advance below the gum line and spread, it causes the gums to recede. When the gums separate far enough, they form pockets that most typically become infected. Since the body\u2019s natural response to foreign bacteria is inflammation, it causes chronic swelling and irritation beyond the gum line that begin to break down and subsequently destroy the connective tissue and supporting bones of the teeth themselves. Surprisingly, symptoms can be quite mild but eventually lead to loosened teeth that need to be removed. The most common forms of Periodontitis are:<\/span><\/p>\n