Did you know that the health of your gums has a strong link to the health of the rest of your body? Bacteria that is found in our gums can travel from our mouth into our bloodstream and has been linked with conditions associated with the heart.
Here are some common causes of gum inflammation and how to prevent them:
1-Gum Disease: Gingivitis or gum inflammation is a treatable condition that can be prevented by brushing twice a day, flossing and maintaining a consistent oral hygiene program.
2-Brushing Too Hard: Brushing twice a day is a good idea, however if you brush too hard, an electric brush may be a better alternative. They are great at preventing gum disease and avoiding gum wear causing recession of the gums.
3-Plaque On Your Teeth: Plaque is a film of debris that collects on teeth after eating and over time. If plaque is left for too long it can cause gum swelling, redness and bleeding.
4-Canker sores: Sores in your mouth can cause irritation and be painful. They can cause gum inflammation and some common causes include the cold, herpes virus or infections.
5-Smoking: Smoking can cause gum disease and eventually lead to tooth loss. Smoking is also a big risk factor for cancer of the mouth.
6-Not Drinking Enough Water: A diet that is low in Vitamin C and Calcium can cause gum swelling. Not drinking enough water can also allow buildup of food to accumulate on your teeth allowing bacteria and plaque to form.
7-Medications: Certain medications can cause changes in your gums including swelling. It is best to discuss your medications with your doctor and Bowmanville Dentist.
8-Hormonal Changes: Changes in your hormones especially during pregnancy can cause your gums to bleed easier. Its recommended often during pregnancy to make dental visits more frequent at 3-4 month intervals.
9-Teeth Alignments: Crooked or crowded teeth are harder to keep clean, allowing for plaque and bacteria to get caught easier. This can lead to gum swelling. We often recommend considering braces or clear braces options such as Invisalign to correct such issues.
10: Worn Out Fillings: Old or worn out fillings can lead to bacteria getting trapped easier and causing gum inflammation. We use magnification during your visits and take intraoral photos to keep track of how your mouth looks over time to see if there are changes happening with your fillings.
Although these are some common reasons that can cause gum inflammation, there are many factors to consider. We want you to be proactive about your health, come see our West Bowmanville dental team to get on track !
