Plaque often leads to gingivitis, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine, especially where the gum and tooth meet.
Your mouth naturally produces plaque—a sticky, nearly invisible film that covers the teeth—and if you brush and floss regularly, it usually doesn’t cause problems, according to the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP). But plaque contains bacteria that release acids that damage the gums, notes the American Dental Association (ADA).
When this bacteria and its byproducts build up and harden on the teeth due to poor dental hygiene, they can cause inflammation and irritation of the gums, leading to gingivitis. The tartar must be removed by a dentist.
While everyone has plaque, some have risk factors that make them more prone to it than others. In addition to improper or irregular brushing and flossing, some factors that may predispose you to gingivitis are:
Medicines: Certain anticonvulsants used to treat seizures, calcium channel blockers that fight high blood pressure, and immunosuppressants used to prevent organ rejection in transplant patients can cause overgrowth of gum tissue or gum hyperplasia. This excess tissue can grow so aggressively that it covers the tops of the teeth, making it difficult to completely remove the gum-destroying plaque.
Other medications—especially antihistamines to control allergies, blood pressure medications, and some antidepressants—can reduce the amount of plaque-cleansing saliva the mouth produces.
Cigarette’s smoke: Smokers tend to have more periodontal disease than non-smokers. “Smoking can decimate the ‘good’ bacteria in the mouth, which keeps the ‘bad’ bacteria in check,” says Dr Hoss. “Smoking can also weaken the body’s immune system, reducing its ability to fight gum infections.”
Diabetes: Periodontal disease is two to three times more common in people with diabetes than in people without. Diabetes causes an inflammatory response in the body, including the gums, and many medications used to treat diabetes can promote dry mouth.
Diabetes also creates changes in your blood vessels that can eventually weaken the gums and underlying bone structures of the teeth, says Cedars Sinai.
Pregnancy: Up to 75% of pregnant women have gingivitis while expecting, according to the CDC. The hormones estrogen and progesterone, which increase during pregnancy, are likely to blame. These hormones increase blood flow to the gums, making them more sensitive to irritants such as plaque.
Age: There is a lot of wear and tear on teeth and gums as you get older. Nearly half of adults over 30 have some periodontal disease, the CDC notes. That number jumps to 70% by age 65.
Poor nutrition: Without an adequate supply of vitamins and minerals, it is difficult for your immune system to fight infections such as gingivitis. Low levels of certain vitamins, including vitamins C, D and a variety of B vitamins, have been associated with periodontal disease.
Genes: While studies are conflicting, some research estimates that 30% to 50% of periodontal disease is hereditary, according to findings by Journal of Dental Research.
Genus: More than half of men have gingivitis, compared to about 38% of women, notes the AAP. Men are not more prone to gum disease, says Dr. Richardson. “But statistically, men report seeing an oral health specialist less often than women, which may lead to more cases of gingivitis in men.”
Braces: Braces (as well as ill-fitting dentures and bridges) make flossing and thorough brushing difficult. Research shows that people with fixed orthodontic appliances such as braces have more gum inflammation, recession and visible plaque after orthodontic treatment than before.