Many people only consider their teeth when they think of their dental health, but your gums are just as important. After all, without healthy connective tissues, there would be nothing to hold your teeth in place!
But the earliest stage of gum disease, gingivitis, doesn’t always exhibit noticeable symptoms, like soreness or swelling, until it progresses. That means if your gums feel sensitive, you might already have a problem. Read on to learn 3 potential causes of periodontal disease, so you know when to contact your dentist for help!
Concern #1: Ignoring Dental Hygiene
Brushing your teeth every morning and night helps clear harmful plaque and bacteria that cause common oral issues, including cavities and gum disease. But it removes only an estimated 40% to 60% of residue buildup, so you’re not getting as thorough a cleaning as you could.
Flossing is needed to clean germs from between the teeth, behind the molars, and below the gumline to help prevent disease or infection. If you have mobility challenges that make it hard to manipulate the glossy string around your mouth, you might do better with flossers, which have a handle for convenience, or an oral irrigator, which uses a gently pressurized stream of water to help cleanse your smile instead.
Concern #2: Using Tobacco Products
But your at-home dental hygiene habits aren’t the only ones that can affect your dental health. For instance, if you frequently smoke, vape, or chew tobacco, sources report that you may be two to three times more likely to develop gum disease compared to non-smokers. These products contain nicotine and other harmful chemicals that suppress your immune system and lower blood oxygen levels, making it harder for your body to deliver essential nutrients to your mouth and fight oral infections.
In fact, according to the CDC, smoking is the single most significant contributing factor for developing periodontal problems and accounts for more than half of all long-term cases, which can sometimes be managed but not completely cured.
Concern #3: Skipping Dental Appointments
Although the American Dental Association recommends having a routine dental exam and cleaning every 6 months to prevent problems, only an estimated 58% to 64% of U.S. adults have visited their dentist in the past year.
You might think you don’t need periodic appointments if you haven’t noticed obvious issues in your teeth and gums, but you don’t have the same experience or access to state-of-the-art technology as your dentist. They can help identify and treat areas of concern, like swollen or sensitive connective tissues, before they have a chance to worsen.
If you’re worried you may already have gum disease, the best next step is to schedule an appointment with your dentist!
Meet the Author
Dr. Carroll has 20+ years of experience helping families and individuals build and maintain happy, healthy smiles. He earned his dental degree from the Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, then completed a General Practice Residency at Hartford Hospital. Today, he enjoys taking the time to get to know his patients and their unique concerns, then uses advanced technology to provide a full menu of services, including gum disease treatment, under one roof. If you’re worried about dental sensitivity, you can request an appointment on the website or call (860) 633-2031.
