The Good Gum Guide: Causes of Poor Gum Health By Byron J Nordhus D.D.S. on August 21, 2017

At Nordhus Dentistry, we believe that every beautiful smile is built upon a solid foundation of excellent oral health. We also believe that every patient who walks into our practice can achieve and maintain excellent oral health, no matter what condition his or her mouth is currently in. Whether your teeth and gums are extremely healthy and you require only periodic preventive treatments, or you need to have multiple restorative dentistry procedures combined into a full mouth rehabilitation plan, Dr Byron J. Nordhus and his team can provide you with the personalized care you need.

There is nothing more important to the health of your mouth than good gum health. Gum disease is the number-one cause of tooth loss among adults. Sadly, it is also the most common disease among American adults, affecting two-thirds of the population to varying degrees. Along with providing a full range of gum disease treatments, Dr. Nordhus educates his patients about the causes of poor gum health during appointments at his Wichita, KS practice. This empowers them to avoid as many of these causes as they can and to be proactive in seeking routine gum care if there are certain causes they cannot avoid.

For further information on how to take the best possible care of your gums, please schedule your initial consultation with Dr. Nordhus at Nordhus Dentistry today.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Poor Gum Health?

There are many possible causes of poor gum health. In most cases, people with gum disease can attribute their condition to more than one of these causes. The most common causes of poor gum health include:

Inadequate oral hygiene: Poor tooth brushing techniques, the failure to brush and floss after every meal, and the failure to visit the dentist at least twice a year for thorough oral exams and professional cleanings can all contribute to poor gum health. Even those people who brush and floss properly and regularly will eventually develop gum disease if they do not have their teeth professionally cleaned routinely. There are places in the mouth that cannot be reached with toothbrushes or dental floss. If plaque is not removed from these places by a dental professional, it will harden into tartar and eventually result in the infection of the gums.
Genetics: Some people are, unfortunately, genetically predisposed to gum disease. If gum disease runs in your family, it is especially important that you visit our office at least twice a year to maintain the health of your gums.
Smoking: Cigarette smoke is filled with bacteria and toxins, all of which promote gum disease.
Age: If you are over 65, you are at heightened risk of gum disease.
Bruxism: Bruxism, or chronic teeth grinding, breaks down the delicate gum tissues, making them more susceptible to infection.
Being a woman: The hormonal changes associated with menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause can all lead to inflammation of the gums.
Certain medications: Antidepressants and some heart medications can increase the risk of gum disease.
Some health conditions: Diabetes, HIV, AIDS, and rheumatoid arthritis all increase the risk of gum disease.