Many people don’t realize they are at risk for gum recession, but there are many hidden causes. Gum recession can be an uncomfortable and aesthetically unappealing problem for many people. Our guide to the causes of gum recession may help you avoid this unfortunate circumstance. Prevention this condition is possible, you just have to know how.
Periodontal disease is the most common offender when it comes to causing gum recession. Periodontal Disease is often more simply referred to as gum disease. It begins with common plaque growth on your teeth or mistreatment of your gums. Plaque is a bacterial form created by poor dental hygiene. In some plaque instances, the lack of thorough brushing and flossing may be the culprit. Consuming sugary or acidic substances without washing your mouth out or employing dental care also causes plaque. When plaque stays on your teeth long enough it turns into tartar, causing tooth decay and gum inflammation. Gum inflammation is also called Gingivitis. At this stage, it is easy to turn around your oral health and eliminate these problems by a simple visit to your dentist for treatment. If these offenders go unchallenged, they can turn into a more serious issue— periodontal disease. This is a deep gum infection that causes your gums to disengage from your teeth, leading to gum recession.
People who commonly use tobacco products are at high risk for gum recession. Smoke, nicotine, and chewing tobacco all make blood vessels in your gums constrict, causing blood loss to important tissues. They also cause gum irritation and inflammation in general. Chronic inflammation can lead to gum disease, and in turn, gum recession.
Crooked teeth and orthodontic straightening treatments are two more unfortunate circumstances that can cause gum recession. If your teeth are naturally misaligned, the strenuous brushing and flossing process it takes to clean your teeth may irritate your gums. The natural tendency of your teeth to pull against each other may also put stress on your gums. Alternately, if you have orthodontic treatment to straighten your teeth, the process can be done too quickly. If this happens, it can move your teeth too quickly for your gums to adjust correctly. Make sure your orthodontist knows about your concerns and adjusts braces and aligning mechanisms appropriately and slowly.
Finally, it is incredibly important that you seek annual dental care. Your dentist can instruct you on proper teeth and gum treatment and on how to avoid possible gum recession. They can also catch issues before you may notice that they are occurring. Fortunately, gum recession does not have to be a problem for your oral health. Take preventative precautions and maintain excellent oral hygiene in your daily life. Don’t brush too briskly or floss too harshly. Treat your gums and teeth with the best care and notify your dentist if you notice any inflammation, discoloration, or discomfort of your gums. The proper care and attention is needed to provide you with the best odds against the many causes of gum recession. If, however, your gums do recede, we are a specialist that provides non-invasive treatment options to restore your gums to excellent health.
