There are many factors leading to gum disease. The main one is bacteria in dental plaque around the teeth and under the gum margins, building up to a high level, allowing proliferation of the more harmful bacteria that release toxins and induce inflammation of the gums.
Aggravating factors are:
genetic – some people have a more destructive inflammatory response that others.
Environmental/lifestyle – smokers and poorly controlled diabetics have more severe gum disease than non-smokers due to reduced healing capacity.
At the Melbourne Smile Clinic in Northcote, our dentist ensures patients are assessed for gum disease and receive the appropriate advice and treatment.