Causes Of Gum DiseaseThe major cause of gum disease is poor oral hygiene. This allows food to accumulate along the gum line and feed bacteria that live in the mouth. Bacteria by-products are thought to initiate a defensive response from the body and it is this response and the bacterial by-products that destroy the supporting tissues! If the hygiene problem is not resolved, then the bacteria will never be completed repelled by the body and a damaging circular process occurs.A particular type of bacteria, actinomyces actinomycetemcomitans, is commonly found in large amounts in pockets around teeth affected by gum disease and is thought to play a major role in gum disease. Smoking is also thought to aggravate the condition. Chronic smoking results in a reduction of the blood supply to the gums and can reduce the bodies ability to defend itself allow more bacteria to grow and feed. LINKS | TOPICS ONLINE | SEARCH | HOME |