24
Oct
5 Surprising Factors That Can Contribute to Gum Disease
At Blue Back Dental, our doctors, along with the rest of our caring team, proudly serve patients in Avon, Connecticut, and West Hartford, Connecticut, with advanced dental care, including gum disease treatments such as scaling, root planing, and gum surgery. Gum health is often overlooked, yet it is vital to your overall well-being. Many patients are surprised to learn that gum disease can be caused by factors beyond poor brushing or skipping dental visits. Understanding these lesser-known contributors to gum problems can help you take proactive steps to protect your smile.
Below, we’ll explore some surprising factors that may increase your risk of gum disease:
1. Stress and Anxiety
Most people are aware that stress affects the body, but they’re often surprised to learn that it also impacts oral health. Stress weakens the immune system, making it harder for your body to fight off the bacteria that cause gum infections. Additionally, stress often leads to habits like teeth grinding or jaw clenching, which can worsen gum inflammation.
2. Certain Medications
Many prescriptions and over-the-counter medications can contribute to dry mouth, which reduces the saliva your mouth needs to wash away bacteria. Medications for allergies, high blood pressure, and depression are common culprits. With less saliva, harmful bacteria can linger, leading to gum irritation, infections, and even advanced periodontal disease.
3. Genetics
Even with excellent oral hygiene, some people are more prone to gum disease due to their family history. You may inherit a higher risk of gum disease if your parents or close relatives have experienced it. That’s why regular check-ups with our doctors are essential for early detection and tailored preventive care.
4. Hormonal Changes
Life stages such as pregnancy, menopause, and even puberty can bring significant hormonal shifts. These changes may increase gum sensitivity and inflammation, making gums more vulnerable to infection. For women, gum care during pregnancy is especially important, since gum disease has been linked to complications such as low birth weight.
5. Poor Nutrition
A diet high in sugar and processed foods does more than harm your teeth. It can also feed the bacteria that cause gum disease. At the same time, a lack of essential nutrients such as Vitamin C can weaken the body’s ability to repair gum tissue. Eating a balanced diet filled with fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins helps strengthen your gums and support long-term oral health.
Protecting Your Smile at Blue Back Dental
If you’ve noticed bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, or gum recession, it may be time to seek professional help. At Blue Back Dental in Avon, Connecticut, and West Hartford, Connecticut, our team provides comprehensive gum disease treatments, including advanced surgical options, to restore your oral health. We focus on compassionate, customized care designed to fit your unique needs.
Don’t wait until gum disease threatens your smile. Contact our Avon office today at (860) 406-5900 or schedule your appointment and take the first step toward healthier gums and a more confident smile. Alternatively, you may call our West Hartford office at (860) 530-4900.
Dr. Ted WU
Dr. Wu founded Blue Back Dental in 2006 and brings over 20 years of experience to our West Hartford and Avon dental practices. He loves getting to know his patients and then providing them with comfortable dental care in a relaxing and friendly environment. His goal is to show people that going to the dentist can be a positive experience when you’re in the right hands. He can’t wait to meet you and your loved ones, and below, you can learn a little more about him.
Dr. Liz
Dr. Elizabeth Holzhauer (called “Dr. Liz” by our patients) is passionate about providing genuinely caring and quality dentistry in an environment of belonging and purpose. She loves being able to help boost a patient’s self-esteem using cosmetic dentistry. She is grateful to have seen many patients gain confidence through smile transformations over the years through cosmetic dentistry in West Hartford and Avon, and she’s eager to do the same for you.
Dr. Tim
Dr. Tim is grateful for the opportunity to change his patients’ lives by improving their smiles and self-confidence through cosmetic dentistry in West Hartford and Avon. He strives to provide the highest quality care for his patients in a positive environment. It’s always fulfilling seeing a patient light up when they’re finally out of pain or get to look at their renewed smile for the first time. Before you have a chance to meet Dr. Tim in person, you can learn more about his background below.
Dr. AustinÂ
Dr. Austin grew up in Reno, Nevada and attended college at the University of Pennsylvania where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts. Following college, she spent two years doing vaccine research at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston before pursuing dentistry.
Dr. Austin graduated cum laude with her dental degree from the Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and was inducted into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon Dental Honor Society. After dental school, Dr. Austin continued her education by completing a general practice residency at Yale-New Haven Hospital.
Dr. MeltzerÂ
Dr. Meltzer is a periodontist in West Hartford and Avon who attended the University of Connecticut in Storrs from 1970-1974. He graduated magna cum laude and was accepted for membership in the Phi Beta Kappa honor fraternity. He received his DMD degree from the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine in 1978. Dr. Meltzer attended a residency in Periodontics from 1978-1980 at the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine where he received his certification in periodontology. He served as Chief Resident from 1979-1980.
Dr. Doherty
Dr. Doherty is originally from New York State. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Pennsylvania, graduating magna cum laude with a double major in biology and religious studies. She attended dental school at the University of Connecticut, where she also completed a PhD in biomedical science in the area of skeletal biology and regeneration.
Dr. Javed
Dr. Reja Javed grew up in West Springfield, MA (home of the Big E!) and attended Smith College where she obtained her Bachelors of Arts in Neuroscience. Dr. Javed subsequently graduated with her dental degree from the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine. After dental school, Dr. Javed furthered her education and training in general dentistry by completing a general practice residency at Hartford Hospital.
