There are genetic and environmental factors involved in the onset of gum disease, but many people can take preventative measures to lower their risk.

Here are some of the most common causes of gum disease:

• Poor dental hygiene - Dental disease starts at home with good oral hygiene and a balanced diet. Prevention also includes regular dental visits which include exams, cleanings, x-rays - but it's important to note that one without the other will not be effective in preventing tooth loss or discomfort from bad breath (ie: gum disease). When bacteria and calculus (tartar) are left untreated for too long they can cause gingivitis or periodontitis; ultimately leading to losing teeth!
• Tobacco use – The research is in and it looks like smoking cigarettes are the leading cause for gum disease. Not only does this take a toll on your health, but smokers also experience slower healing rates as well as more calculus build up thanks to all that tarter from residual smoke inside their mouth.
• Genetic predisposition – It has been estimated that 30% of the population may have a strong genetic predisposition to gum disease, despite practicing rigorous oral hygiene routines. These individuals are six times more likely than those without such an inheritance pattern for periodontal diseases and need early intervention as soon as possible in order to keep their mouth healthy.
• Pregnancy and menopause – Pregnancy has many changes that can affect your body, and one of them is gum disease. During pregnancy the hormones in our bodies change which causes us to become more susceptible to sensitive gums; brush or floss daily for protection against this nasty condition!
• Chronic stress and poor diet – Stress is a very unhealthy thing to have in your life. It can lower the body’s ability fight off disease, which means you are at risk for bacterial infections and other illnesses due simply because of how stressed out we all become with today's fast lifestyle. In addition stress also reduces nutrient intake or malnutrition- both factors that play into reducing our chances against gum problems like periodontal infection as well as affecting overall health on some level
• Diabetes and underlying medical issues – Many medical conditions can intensify or accelerate the onset and progression of gum disease including respiratory disease, heart disease, arthritis and osteoporosis. Diabetes hinders the body’s ability to utilize insulin which makes the bacterial infection in the gums more difficult to control and cure.
• Grinding teeth – When you grind your teeth, it can damage the supporting tissue around them. When this occurs in conjunction with gum disease or misalignment of teeth; an individual is left susceptible for accelerated progression to even more serious oral health issues such as tooth loss and/or jaw pain.
• Medication – The clenching or grinding of teeth can have a significant impact on one's dental health. It is usually associated with misalignment and bad bites, but when an individual has gum disease it exacerbates the destructive effects by damaging more tissue around their mouth ( Gingival Hyperplasia).