What Is Gum Disease?
6. Other Causes
While plaque buildup is a very common cause of gum disease, it is not the only cause. Some people will have certain medical conditions that can also cause the disease. One of these is diseases like HIV that weaken the patient’s immune system. Hormonal changes caused by menstruation and pregnancy can also leave some women more likely to develop gum disease.
Some medications can also increase a patient’s risk of gum disease, particularly those that decrease the production of saliva. People that choose certain lifestyle habits like smoking also place themselves at greater risk than others because smoking hinders the body’s healing abilities.
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