Can you get gum disease from chewing gum while smoking?

Answer 1

Smoking does not 'cause' gum disease per se. However, smoking is considered a significant risk factor for gum disease. A risk factor is something that may make a person more susceptible to a disease. There are several recognized risk factors for gum disease. Poor oral hygiene, Diabetes, genetics, and age, along with smoking are all considered common risk factors for gum disease (periodontitis).

Gum disease is an infection caused by bacteria that colonize in the space (pocket or sulcus) between the teeth and gums. The body reacts to these bacteria with an immune response in which the tissue, including gum tissue, connective tissue, and bone, are slowly destroyed. If enough tissue surrounding the teeth is destroyed, the teeth eventually lose enough supporting structure that they can no longer withstand the forces of biting and chewing. The teeth will become loose and can be lost. Once the teeth have been lost, the infection goes away, because there is no longer a space (sulcus) for the bacteria to colonize.

Smoking is a risk factor for gum disease because the the chemicals in inhaled smoke interfere with the body's ability to repair damaged tissues. Smoking cuts down on the blood supply because it is vasoconstrictive . It limits the the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the tissue. It is also known that nicotine is toxic to cells called fibroblasts, which are responsible for manufacturing new connective tissue. The less fibroblasts work, the more rapid the progression of gum disease.

The American Association of Periodontists (gum specialists) (www.perio.org) has determined that smoking may be the single most significant risk factor for advanced severe gum disease. In a study published several years ago, over 50% of all Americans who had advanced gum disease were either current or past smokers.

While smoking is a significant risk factor, gum disease is a multi-factorial condition. Quiting smoking can go a long way toward minimizing the progression of the disease, but other factors need to be taken into consideration in any effort to control the disease. Your best option is to discuss your particular condition with your dentist and dental hygienist. They are able to assess the situation and make the best recommendations for countering the disease. camron handcock

Answer 2

Hi,

Basically if your sugar (in any form) intake is more frequent then the frequency and efficacy of cleaning then it increases the accumulation of sugar products in oral environment, creating a very favourable condition for the bacterias to dwell in resulting in infection and inflammation causing gum disease.

Answer 3

The main cause of gingivitis is plaque. If not removed it produces toxins that can irritate the gum tissue. Injury or trauma to the gums can also cause gum disease, such as flossing or brushing too hard.
Improper or too infrequent brushing of the teeth, lack of flossing to remove food and plaque from between teeth, smoking or use of smokeless tobacco, eating high sugar food that stick to the teeth such as caramel, excessive intake of soda pop and/or alcohol, and not going to the dentist for teeth cleaning and checkups can all contribute to gingivitis.
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Answer 4

Smoking triggers the accumulation of bacteria in plaque. Thus, if you have plaque on your teeth (which we all have in varying degrees) then smoking just helps the bacteria stick better. So when there is bacteria on the teeth, it can cause an inflammation of the gums, which if left untreated for long enough, can lead to the teeth becoming loose and eventually falling out.

Answer 5

Plaque has bacteria and micro-organisms that produce toxins which attack gum tissue and cause inflammation. That is the first stage of gum disease.