Causes of Dental Problems

Dental problems can pose a variety of issues, some of which are painful. A number of factors negatively can impact the health of your teeth and gums, and addressing these factors largely requires consistent application of self-care measures such as brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing daily and regularly scheduling check-ups with your dentist -- ideally every six months.

Plaque Formation

• The bacteria in your mouth feed on sugars and starchy carbohydrates such as potatoes and pasta. If you do not properly clean your teeth of remnants of these foods, the bacteria will use them to create acid. The combination of acid, bacteria, saliva and food remnants forms plaque, a sticky film that coats the teeth. Plaque can eat through the enamel, causing tooth decay. It also reaches down into the roots of the teeth and gums, leading to inflammation, infection and the breakdown of the bones that support the teeth.

Lack of Saliva

• Saliva plays a big role in the health of your teeth and gums. It helps break down and wash away food particles that can lodge in the teeth as well as cleanse the mouth of bacteria and other harmful substances that can lead to oral infections. Saliva production can decrease as you age. A decrease most commonly results from medications that cause dry mouth, but can also stem from injury to the salivary glands and from certain medical conditions. If you suffer from dry mouth on a consistent basis, over-the-counter saliva substitutes can help. In instances where your salivary glands do not work properly, your doctor can prescribe medications that can stimulate saliva production.

Tobacco Use

• Tobacco use, in the form of cigars, cigarettes or smokeless tobacco, will not only ruin the physical appearance of your teeth, it will also increase your risk for gum disease, notes the American Academy of Periodontology. In fact, the organization reports research has shown tobacco use might represent one of the most significant factors in dental problems. If you smoke, you are more likely to have hardened plaque that only a dentist can remove with a professional cleaning, deep pockets between the teeth and gums, which offers a perfect breeding ground for plaque, and more significant loss of tissue and bone that supports the teeth. Smokers over 65 are twice as more likely to be toothless compared to those of the same age who never smoked.

Other Possible Causes

• According to the American Academy of Periodontology, about 30 percent of the population might have a genetic susceptibility to gum disease that could increase their risk six-fold regardless of oral habits. Testing might help determine risk -- talk to your dentist for more information. Certain medications such as birth control pills, antidepressants and heart medications can cause oral health problems. Stress and diabetes can reduce your ability to fight off infections. Clenching or grinding your teeth can exert pressure on the tissue supporting your teeth and increase the rate at which they break down.