There are many reasons for gum disease, but poor oral hygiene is the most common cause.
Oral hygiene
Poor oral hygiene can cause plaque to build up on your teeth. This can happen if you are not brushing your teeth properly or regularly.
Plaque
Your mouth is full of bacteria. When bacteria mixes with saliva it forms a sticky film known as plaque. This builds up on your teeth.
When you eat or drink sugary or starchy foods, bacteria in plaque break down the carbohydrates and produce acid.
Over time, the acid breaks down your tooth's surface and causes tooth decay.
Other bacteria in plaque can also irritate your gums, making them inflamed and sore.
It is usually easy to remove plaque by brushing and flossing your teeth. But if it's not removed it can harden and form a substance called tartar or calculus.
Tartar hardens onto teeth making it harder to remove than plaque. It needs to be removed by a dentist or hygienist.
Risks of developing gum disease
As well as poor oral hygiene, many things can increase your risk of developing gum problems.
These include:
- smoking and vaping
- your age - the risk of gum disease increases with age
- diabetes - a condition that affects your blood glucose levels
- pregnancy - hormonal changes can affect your gums
- a weakened immune system - sometimes due to a condition such as HIV or chemotherapy
- malnutrition - you are not getting enough nutrients in your diet
- stress
You may also be more likely to have gum disease if you're taking medicines that cause a dry mouth. These medicines include antidepressants and antihistamines.
Content supplied by the NHS and adapted for Ireland by the HSE
