Gum Infection And Some Of Its Risk Factors

Periodontal or gum disease is a gum infection begins when harmful bacteria overcome the antibodies and antibacterial agents of the immune system, harmful bacteria can take over the your oral health causing to gingivitis and periodontitis. Periodontal disease is the common cause of tooth loss. What really causes gum infection to occur is the excessive build up of plaque that produces toxins and acids that irritates the gums causing it to be inflamed resulting to gum disease.

There are several factors that contributes to gum infection to occur other than bacteria. Genetics, family histories and genetic diseases all point to heredity as a risk factor. Smoking is the number one environmental/behavioral risk for periodontal disease. The more you smoke, the higher the risk and the more severe the disease. In women, their hormones makes them more likely to have a gum infection compared with men. Increase level of hormones in women makes is what makes them more susceptible with gum disease. Other factors are medications, obesity and stress.

Gum infection can be avoided by having a good oral hygiene and regular visit with your dentist for dental assessment and evaluation.