Good oral hygiene may not be enough to prevent common dental problems like gum disease from becoming advanced periodontal disease. This is because even someone who brushes after every meal and flosses regularly may still have bad habits that encourage the growth of the bacteria responsible for gum disease problems. In particular, habits that affect the rate of salivation in your mouth may undermine even the best oral hygiene regimen.

People with periodontal disease are at greater risk of heart disease and have twice the risk of having a fatal heart attack than people without periodontal disease.

Saliva plays a big role in the prevention of advanced periodontal disease since it contains high levels of oxygen and natural enzymes which limit the growth of the harmful bacteria responsible for many common dental problems-especially gum disease.

Saliva also breaks down food caught in the teeth, protecting them from bacteria that cause decay. Saliva also contains lysozyme, an enzyme that lyses many bacteria and prevents overgrowth of oral microbial populations. Periodontal disease and smoking is associated with each other and oral hygiene may be not enough to prevent bacteria that causes periodontal diseases. Drinking alcohol, use of stimulants or anything that increases metabolism, excessive exercise and improper hydration.