Common Causes And Risk Factors For Gingivitis

Dry Mouth

An individual who experiences dry mouth is at an increased risk of developing gingivitis. Dry mouth and xerostomia are terms used to describe when an individual's salivary glands in their mouth do not produce a sufficient amount of saliva to keep the mouth wet at all times. Several factors can cause an individual to develop dry mouth, such as taking certain medications, cancer therapy, aging, nerve damage, tobacco use, recreational drug use, alcohol consumption, metabolic disease, dementia, Sjogren's syndrome, AIDS, and snoring. Dry mouth causes an individual to have a dry or sticky feeling in their mouth, bad breath, difficulty chewing, sore throat, hoarseness, grooved tongue, changed sense of taste, difficulty speaking, thick and stringy saliva, and problems swallowing. Saliva is produced by the salivary glands in an individual's mouth and prevents the decay of teeth by interfering with the harmful acids bacteria in the mouth produce. Enzymes in the saliva help digest food and wash away food particles. Without enough saliva, it is easier for plaque and tartar to accumulate at the base of the teeth and cause the development of gingivitis.

Learn more about risk factors associated with gingivitis now.