Pinpointing the main gum disease cause, as well as less serious causes, can help you to keep yourself healthy and safe. Oral health is extremely important. Gum disease has been known to lead to more serious problems. You do not only have to worry about losing your teeth. You have to worry about possibly suffering from a heart attack or a stroke as well.

Naturally, the main cause of gum disease is poor oral health. If you do not brush and floss regularly, plaque can build up and then lead to tartar. The bacteria therein can lead to a number of periodontal diseases. At best, you can suffer from gingivitis, which is reversible. At worst, you can suffer from periodontitis, which can cause the loss of teeth.

Smoking is a major cause of gum disease. It is, in fact, strongly linked to a number of illnesses, many of which involve the teeth and gums. There are a variety of studies which suggest that smoking is one of the primary risk factors in suffering from a form of periodontal disease.

A lot of people are genetically wired to have problems with their teeth and gums. In fact, in the United States alone, as much as thirty percent of the population may be susceptible to periodontal disease through genetics. In instances such as this, the only thing you can do is try to prevent any of these diseases from occurring. You have to take care of your teeth and visit your dentist regularly.

For woman, certain hormonal changes can lead to gum disease as well. In teenage girls, going through puberty can be a trigger. Pregnancy is a known issue as well. Later in life, women who are going through menopause need to take care of their teeth.

Last but not least, stress is actually another cause of gum disease. Stress can be linked to a number of serious problems. Periodontal disease is one of them. Next: Learn how to stop gum disease and prevent it from coming back again.