Poor oral hygiene & gingivitis

How exactly do these factors contribute to gum disease?

The connection between poor oral health and gingivitis is remarkably straightforward. Similar to plaque, calculus and tartar, they directly provoke irritation in the gums, leading them to swell and develop into gingivitis. Plaque naturally carries bacteria, but eating certain foods, particularly those that contain sugar, can cause the bacteria to quickly start feeding on and processing the sugar, releasing toxic acids as a byproduct.

The result is swelling in the areas of high plaque and calculus accumulation, and sometimes even overgrowth of the gums in areas that are not cleaned daily or at all! Crooked teeth are usually difficult to clean with a toothbrush alone, so the lack of flossing and mouthwash also leads to localised swelling of the gingiva around the crooked teeth.

Dry Mouth

Anything that causes Xerostomia or dryness in the mouth, such as drugs, smoking cigarettes and even simple mouth breathing can easily lead to gingivitis. This is because the necessary amount of saliva is not being produced, which is needed to wash away flourishing bacteria and neutralise the pH in the mouth, thus generalised gingivitis results. Drinking water and keeping yourself hydrated can help, but sometimes you may need to talk to a dentist if the problem persists.

Systemic Conditions

Certain systemic conditions, such as the fluctuations of hormones in the body during pregnancy, and insulin resistance in the form of Diabetes Mellitus have a major link to gum disease. Pregnant women undergo pregnancy-induced Gingival Hyperplasia, which is severe swelling of the gums due to massive changes in hormone levels throughout their term.

Patients with Diabetes Mellitus have a higher level of sugar in their bloodstream, which creates a far friendlier environment in the mouth for bacteria to flourish as the soft tissues in the mouth are so richly supplied with blood, especially the gums. Therefore, they produce their harmful acids at a far higher rate and colonise, leading to swelling in the gums generally and in localised areas that are more susceptible. Some patients with epilepsy also may suffer from drug-induced gingivitis, as anti-epileptic medications bring about that side effect.

Abscess Associated with Dental Infection

Sometimes, a gingival abscess or localised spot of severe inflammation could occur, due to an infected tooth, making dental decay an accessory to gum disease as well! It is like a swollen, pus-filled bump that forms in your mouth or gums when a bacterial infection takes hold. It is best to see a dentist ASAP if you experience any throbbing pain, swelling or even a bad taste in your mouth.

Vitamin C Deficiency

It is common knowledge that the lack of Vitamin C causes a certain disease of excessively bleeding gums, known as “scurvy”. Vitamin C is not only crucial for maintaining good immunity and health, but it also plays a vital role in the production of collagen, a compound necessary for maintaining elasticity in the skin and the gums alike. The lack of vitamin C leads to easy breakdown of the tissue and bleeding upon the slightest pressure, along with inflammation.