Gum Disease in New York City - What's causing gum disease in New York City?
New York is a phenomenal city, full of great restaurants and shops; sports, music, and entertainment of every nature. New York City is also brimming with residents and visitors from every corner of the world, every one a potential victim of gum disease.
Periodontal (gum) disease is the primary cause of tooth loss. This insidious disease begins as gingivitis, attacking gums and soft tissues. It progresses to ligaments and eventually the bone which supports teeth. The danger doesn’t stop there –bacteria which cause gum disease are linked to cardiovascular disease, pregnancy complications, and serious system illnesses.
In order to prevent, manage, and even cure gum disease, it is important to first understand its causes:
Periodontal (gum) disease is the primary cause of tooth loss. This insidious disease begins as gingivitis, attacking gums and soft tissues. It progresses to ligaments and eventually the bone which supports teeth. The danger doesn’t stop there –bacteria which cause gum disease are linked to cardiovascular disease, pregnancy complications, and serious system illnesses.
In order to prevent, manage, and even cure gum disease, it is important to first understand its causes:
- Negligent oral hygiene – The major factor in periodontal disease is build-up of plaque. When you fail to brush after meals, floss daily, and have periodic professional cleanings, this sticky film coats the teeth. It harbors bacteria from foods, which leads to gum infection.
- Smoking – Tobacco use is a huge contributor to periodontal disease, prompting plaque to harden into gum-irritating calculus. The chemicals in tobacco also slow your body’s natural healing processes, making it more difficult to fight the infection.
- Genetics – It is estimated that about 30 percent of our population has a hereditary predisposition to gum disease. Oral hygiene habits are also inherited.
- Dental conditions – Bruxism, clenching or grinding during sleep, puts excessive stress on periodontal ligaments which support teeth. The warm, moist “nooks and crannies” of malocclusion (crooked teeth), trap food particles and make oral hygiene more difficult.
- Medical conditions – Diabetes, auto-immune disorders, and other systemic illnesses impair the body’s ability to fight infection and repair naturally, impacting gum health. Some medications, including anti-depressants and oral contraceptives, can weaken the body’s defenses, as well.
- Environmental conditions – Stress is an often overlooked risk factor, impacting the body’s ability to combat periodontal disease. Proper nutrition nourishes the whole body and keeps the immune system operating effectively. The poor, high-sugar diet often associated with obesity contributes to gum disease.
- Hormones – The natural hormonal changes in a woman’s life – puberty, child-bearing, and menopause, can cause gum tissues to be extra sensitive and prone to irritation.