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Why Are My Gums Receding?

The most common causes of a receding gum line are aggressive dental hygiene and age.

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If you’ve noticed that your gums are receding, you may wonder what’s causing it. There are several possible explanations. However, no matter what the cause of your receding gums is, seeing a dentist as soon as possible is essential to avoid further damage to your teeth and gums.

What Causes Gum Recession?

Gum Recession

Gum recession is a common condition that can lead to health issues if left untreated. Typically, the following factors can contribute to gum recession.

  • Overaggressive brushing or flossing techniques
  • Poor oral hygiene
  • Periodontal disease, genetics
  • Medications
  • Age

Aggressive Teeth Cleaning Techniques

An overly aggressive brushing technique can cause your gums to recede, leading to many oral hygiene issues. When you brush too hard, the toothbrush’s bristles wear away the gum tissue, affecting its ability to cover the teeth’s roots and protect them from bacteria and plaque.

In addition, aggressive dental cleansing tools such as wooden sticks or picks can damage your gums by forcing bacteria into pockets under the gum line that are difficult to clean. If you notice any irritation, swelling, or bleeding when cleaning your teeth and gums, consider toning down your cleaning method for healthier-looking gums.

Poor Oral Hygiene

Poor oral hygiene can accelerate gum recession, leading to an uncomfortable and unhealthy mouth. Inadequate brushing and flossing can lead to plaque buildup along the gum line, causing the gums to pull away from the teeth and result in deeper periodontal pockets. Regular visits with a dentist will help reverse potential gum tissue destruction caused by poor oral hygiene habits.

Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is a serious issue not to be overlooked. This infection of the gums can affect both adults and children, causing swollen and bleeding gums, receding gums, and even tooth loss if not treated properly.

Receded gums are one common effect of gum disease that results from bacteria in the mouth breaking down supporting tissues around teeth and forming pockets with infections. The toxins produced by these bacteria make their way between the soft tissues and the hard structures of teeth, eventually causing gums to pull away from the surface of teeth.

What Can Affect Gum Recession?

Multiple factors can cause gum recession. Therefore, practicing good oral hygiene and having regular checkups with a dentist are essential. To avoid gum recession, following basic preventative guidelines like brushing twice a day and flossing regularly is best. Ultimately, understanding why your gums might be receding is the best way to ensure that gum recession doesn’t become a part of your story.

Gum Recession

Genetics

Genetics can also impact the health of your gums and cause gum recession. This often-overlooked factor can be a critical underlying cause of receding gums, so it’s vital to understand its role.

Studies have shown that certain genetic variations make individuals more susceptible to gum diseases, reducing their tolerance to dental plaque and increasing the risks of experiencing painful gum recession.

Medications

Medications can be a contributing cause of receding gums over time. Certain types of drugs, such as those taken for health conditions like autoimmune disorders or high blood pressure, can reduce the amount of saliva in the mouth and hinder the body’s ability to self-heal damaged gums. This lack of saliva makes it difficult for the gums to stay adequately hydrated and replenished with nutrients, causing gum recession.

Age

Age is one of the most common causes of receding gums. As we get older, our gums naturally begin to thin and pull away from our teeth. This exposes underlying gum tissue and increases vulnerability to gum disease. Additionally, many people experience a decrease in gum tissue elasticity as they age. This can cause the gums to become more fragile, making them more prone to receding.

If you’re worried about your oral health, don’t hesitate to reach out and book an appointment with a dentist right away.

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