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Call Today888-469-3982 Request an Appointment
819 Mt. Tabor Road, New Albany, IN 47150
Call Today888-469-3982 Request an Appointment
819 Mt. Tabor Road, New Albany, IN 47150
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Meet the Doctors
      • Dr. Ronald L. Receveur
      • Dr. Bradley Frederick
    • See Dr. Ron On TV
    • Get Dr. Ron’s Book
  • Solutions We Offer
    • All-In-One-Place™
    • Do I Need Bone Grafting?
    • IV Sedation
    • The One Day Smile Solution
    • All-On-4 Zirconium Bridges
  • Patient Testimonials
    • Smile Gallery
  • Out of Town Guests
    • Considering Traveling?
  • Contact Us
    • Our Warranty & Financing Options
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Home > Blog > What Causes Gum Disease?

What Causes Gum Disease?

May 23, 2015

Gum disease is one of the most serious oral health issues you can face. It has been linked to various health issues that are not limited to the mouth, including heart disease. Gum disease contributes to malnourishment, diabetes, obesity, and the list goes on.

At New Albany Implants, we want you to stay healthy. And a healthy body need healthy gums, so it is important to us that you know what gum disease is and what causes it.

Types of Gum Disease

Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease. In general, gingivitis refers to inflammation of the gums, characterized by irritation and redness. This is usually easily treated and will not cause any problems as long as it is caught early.

Periodontitis, on the other hand, is more serious. If gingivitis is not treated, it could worsen and become infected. When pockets of infection form between the teeth, and your gums begin to recede, the you are showing signs of periodontitis. This could lead to any number of health problems all over your body. As your gums recede and expose the sensitive roots of your teeth, they can become loose, and eventually fall out. Missing teeth make it hard to eat, which, in turn, makes you less healthy and less able to fight off illness.

Causes of Gum Disease

Lack of Oral Hygiene – Poor dental care is one of the leading causes of gum disease. The inflammation that leads to gum disease is started by bacteria in your mouth. Healthy oral hygiene habits will keep these bacteria under control. Brushing removes bacteria from your teeth and gums, and flossing removes it from between your teeth. In fact, the most important thing you can do for your gum health is to brush and floss twice a day.

Tobacco Use – Smoking is bad for you. Everybody knows that. Usually we think about lung cancer and heart disease when we think about the health hazards of smoking, but smoking is also bad for your teeth and gums. Saliva is a very important factor in the fight against bacteria, and smoking causes a dry mouth. A dry mouth has no saliva to protect your teeth and gums, so the bacteria goes to work, and then your gums become inflamed.

E-cigs cause many of the same effect as a traditional cigarette. So, don’t think that you are saving yourself from gum disease by only inhaling nicotine vapor.

Smokeless tobacco causes its fair share of trouble for your gums, too. Chewing tobacco and dip come into direct contact to your teeth and gums, and they leave little pieces of tobacco behind. Bacteria love little pieces of tobacco. A lot of brands of smokeless tobacco also add sugar, which means your teeth and gums are getting a double dose of bacteria boosters.

Hormonal changes – Natural changes in your body’s chemistry, like those associated with puberty, menstruation, and menopause, can decrease your mouth’s natural bacteria-fighting defenses. This could make your gums more susceptible to inflammation. If you feel you are going through some hormonal changes, keep a close eye on your gums.

Prevent Gum Disease

Brush and floss – Strong oral hygiene is the number one protection against gum disease. Keep your mouth clear of bacteria, and don’t forget to brush your tongue because bacteria like to hide out there.

Drink Plenty of Water – As we mentioned, saliva is key to fighting gum disease, and in order to produce plenty of saliva, your body needs to be hydrated.

Drinking water will also help keep your mouth clean. It will wash away bacteria and the bits of food and sugar bacteria love to feast on. You should always keep water with you, and avoid drinking sugary sodas and alcohol, which can actually dehydrate you.

Contact Us

Come into New Albany Implants for a dental examination and we will make sure you are not exhibiting any signs of gum disease. Gum disease is fairly easily treated if caught early, so don’t put off your visit to our Southern Indiana office.

We love keeping our patients feeling good and smiling bright, so contact us today for more information on gum disease, or to schedule an appointment.

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Dr Fredrick and staff make you feel like family. And the work they do is the best , I would totally recommend calling them for dental needs.

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I had my implants 2 years ago and my bridge was loose ; i had good news as no fractured implant ( i had one done by other surgeon previously ) it was the adhesive that has worn out . Im really very please with excellent service given by Dr .Receuver and his assistant Erica ! I highly recommend this place . i had my cleaning done and the dental hygienist was superb , she explsined the proper steps to floss, water pik , then mouthwash and brush last and not to rinse with water which made sense, ive to many dental hygienist but no one can can give me a clear answer . excellent service and staff . im going to miss this as im moving to florida !

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The young lady, Destiny who worked on me was very gentle, took her time and did a good job.

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888-469-3982 Request an Appointment

Locations

819 Mt. Tabor Road, New Albany, IN 47150

Office Hours

  • Monday 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed

Latest Blog Articles

Feel Great Again by Getting a Permanent Bridge

Heather lived with partial dentures for years until she came to see Dr. Ron Receveur in New Albany, IN. She was ...

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Visit One Place to Reclaim Your Healthy Smile

You have been feeling down about your smile. Your missing teeth leave you hesitant to speak at work, in public places, ...

Read More
888-469-3982 Request an Appointment

Locations

819 Mt. Tabor Road, New Albany, IN 47150

Office Hours

  • Monday 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed

Latest Blog Articles

Feel Great Again by Getting a Permanent Bridge

Heather lived with partial dentures for years until she came to see Dr. Ron Receveur in New Albany, IN. She was ...

Read More
Visit One Place to Reclaim Your Healthy Smile

You have been feeling down about your smile. Your missing teeth leave you hesitant to speak at work, in public places, ...

Read More
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