Gum disease - causes

Gum disease/causes

Gum disease can be caused by a number of factors, but poor oral hygiene is the most common cause.

Poor oral hygiene, such as not brushing your teeth properly or regularly, can cause plaque to build up on your teeth.

Your mouth is full of bacteria that combine with saliva to form a sticky film known as plaque, which builds up on your teeth.

When you consume food and drink high in carbohydrates (sugary or starchy foods), bacteria in plaque turn carbohydrates into the energy they need, producing acid at the same time.

Over time, acid in plaque begins to break down your tooths surface and causes tooth decay.

Other bacteria in plaque can also irritate your gums, making them inflamed and sore.

Plaque is usually easy to remove by brushing and flossing your teeth, but it can harden and form a substance called tartar if its not removed. 

Tartar sticks much more firmly to teeth than plaque and can usually only be removed by a dentist or dental hygienist.

As well as poor oral hygiene, a number of things can increase your risk of developing problems with your gums.

These include:

• smoking 


• your age – gum disease becomes more common as you get older


• diabetes – a lifelong condition that causes a persons blood sugar levels to become too high


• pregnancy – hormonal changes can make gums more vulnerable to plaque


• a weakened immune system – for example, because of conditions like HIV and AIDS or certain treatments, such as chemotherapy


• malnutrition – a condition that occurs when a persons diet does not contain the right amount of nutrients


• stress

You may also be more likely to have gum disease if youre taking medicines that cause a dry mouth. These medicines include antidepressants and antihistamines.