Gum recession is a common problem that affects the dental structure of many people. Most patients do not even know they have receding gums because it occurs over an extended period of time. Gum recession is a long process in which the edge of the gum tissue that attaches to the tooth's surface begins to wear and pull back, revealing more of your tooth and the structures that support it. As gum recession occurs, pockets in the gums can form, leaving them more vulnerable to bacteria buildup and severe gum disease. The first signs you may have gum recession are tooth sensitivity, gum redness, gum irritation, or teeth that appear long. If not treated, gum recession can lead to tooth root exposure, tooth loss, and the damage of the supporting bone structure.
Signs of High-Risk Gum Recession Candidates
Gum recession can occur for many reasons. Commonly, gum recession is a genetic problem. Other contributors to gum recession are gum disease, poor oral hygiene, tobacco use, pregnancy, menopause, teeth grinding, aggressive teeth brushing, and crooked teeth.
Gum Disease: Gum disease as a result of poor oral hygiene is the main cause of receding gums. Gum disease, or the more severe version, periodontal disease, is a bacterial gum infection that causes chronic inflammation, tissue deterioration, gum bleeding, discomfort, and potentially tooth loss. Since gum disease causes so much inflammation and tissue deterioration in the gums, gum recession is one of the most prevalent symptoms. Gum disease can be prevented by visiting the dentist regularly and employing proper at-home oral hygiene care.
Poor Oral Hygiene: Poor oral hygiene quickly leads to an overproduction of bacteria and plaque in the mouth. When plaque is not removed by regular brushing and dentist visits, it develops into a harder form called tartar that can only be removed professionally. Tartar and bacteria growth lead to inflamed gums and gum disease, which have the symptom of gum recession.
Tobacco Use: The toxins in tobacco irritate the soft gum tissues, leading to inflammation. Chronic inflammation can cause tissue depletion and recession.
Pregnancy and Menopause: Pregnancy, menopause, and other hormonal changes contribute to gum recession. The hormone fluctuation makes gums more sensitive to everyday use, leading to gum recession.
Teeth Grinding: Vast amounts of unnecessary pressure caused by teeth grinding and other bad habits, like nail biting, lead to gum recession.
Aggressive Teeth Brushing: If you are brushing your teeth too hard, your gums will gradually get pushed further back, resulting in gum recession and exposed tooth roots. When brushing, use a firm, but gentle circular motion to thoroughly cleanse each tooth and the gums. No excessive pressure is needed.
Crooked Teeth: When your teeth are crooked, different areas receive more pressure during chewing and speaking. This can lead to heavy use and pressure on certain areas of your gums, which will then cause gum recession. If you have one or two teeth that continually irritate an area of your gums, you may notice gum recession in this localized area. Crooked teeth also make it harder to reach every inch of your gums during flossing, which can lead to bacteria buildup and gum recession.
These are just a few reasons why some patients are at more of a risk of developing gum recession. We can help stop your gum recession, remove damaged tissue and bacteria, and improve the structure of your gums when you visit our office. If you have questions about how you can prevent gum recession, we can also answer those inquiries.
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