Your smile is one of the first things people may notice about you, but it may reveal more about your teeth than you realize. When you smile, you may notice changes in its appearance due to receding gums. This common dental problem can cause discomfort, aesthetic problems, and potential oral health complications. But why are your gums receding? To help you address this oral health condition as soon as possible, our team has compiled a list of the most common causes and how to treat it to protect your smile.
What are Receding Gums?
Receding gums are a form of gum disease that causes the tissue to pull away from your teeth. As your gums recede, your teeth may become more vulnerable to cavities. In addition to the risk of cavities, your teeth may be more sensitive when brushing, eating, and drinking. While it may only initially impact one tooth, gum recession may inevitably affect several other teeth. If you believe you are experiencing gum recession, there are a few signs you can look out for, including:
- Extreme sensitivity during dental cleanings
- Pain near your gum line
- Sensitivity to hot and cold foods and beverages
- Sensitivity while brushing your teeth
How to Prevent Gum Recession
If you want to avoid developing gum recession, there are a few easy things you can do to protect yourself. First, you should remember to brush and floss your teeth twice a day. You may also want to incorporate an antimicrobial mouthwash into your everyday routine, using it after brushing and flossing.
It is also essential that you attend regular dental appointments. You should visit your dentist at least twice a year for routine cleanings and checkups. Finally, it is essential that you discontinue nicotine use. Nicotine is responsible for the development of a variety of dental problems, making it important to stop use to protect your gums.
Why Your Gums Are Receding
While receding gums are a common problem for many dental patients, the cause varies greatly. Some of the most common reasons why you may have receding gums include:
1. You Have Gum Disease
As mentioned above, receding gums are a form of gum disease, also known as periodontal disease. Gum disease is caused by plaque and tartar buildup, leading to inflammation of the tissue. This inflammation, if left untreated, can cause your gums to recede from your teeth.
2. You’re Brushing Too Hard
While it takes a significant amount of pressure to cause receding gums, this may be the cause of the recession. When brushing your teeth, you should use a soft-bristled toothbrush and shouldn’t apply too much pressure to your teeth. Applying too much pressure can damage your enamel and put unnecessary strain on the gum tissue, leading to recession.
3. Your Genetics
Although you may do everything in your power to maintain great oral health, some receding gums are caused by genetics. If your parents or grandparents also experienced gum recession, there is a chance that you may inevitably deal with this oral health problem as well.
4. You Use Nicotine Products
One of the most significant causes of receding gums is nicotine use. Whether you smoke cigarettes or use nicotine pouches, exposing the sensitive tissue of your mouth to these chemicals can cause plaque and tartar development. Eventually, this plaque and tartar may eat away at the gum tissue.
5. Your Teeth are Misaligned
If you have misaligned teeth, this misalignment may put stress on your gums. These teeth may also have thin bones and gums, which make them more susceptible to recession. They may also have small gaps, which will lead to your gums slowly pulling away from the tooth.
6. You’re Experiencing Hormonal Changes
People experiencing hormonal changes, like those that accompany pregnancy, menopause, or use of birth control, may experience gum recession. Hormonal changes may make your gums more sensitive, leading to faster recession when they come in contact with plaque and tartar.
7. You Clench or Grind Your Teeth
When you clench your teeth, it may lead to inflammation and damage to the soft tissue in your mouth. As this inflammation persists and the clenching goes untreated, you may begin to experience receding gums, which can turn into loose teeth or loss of the tooth.
How to Treat Receding Gums
If you have receding gums, you might want to do everything in your power to remedy it. Unfortunately, because gum tissue cannot grow back, there is nothing you can do to remedy the initial loss of tissue. However, there are things you can do to slow or stop the loss of gum tissue, including:
- Topical Antibiotics
- Scaling and Root Planing
- Dental Bonding
- Orthodontics
- Gum Recession Surgery
If you are concerned about potential gum recession, it is in your best interest to speak to a trusted dental professional about which option is best for your circumstances. They will perform a dental exam and determine if the recession is caused by gum disease.
From there, you may need to attend several follow-up appointments to continue treating the recession. However, if the gum recession has progressed beyond what a dentist can remedy, you may need to seek care from a periodontist.
Protecting Your Oral Health at Eric Felt, D.D.S
No matter what oral health condition you’re trying to treat, our team at Eric Felt, D.D.S., is here to help. Our comprehensive dental cleanings and exams can identify a variety of ailments before they compromise the health of your gums. For over thirty years, our expert team has provided dental care to patients across Northern Utah. if you would like to schedule an appointment with our team to check up on the health of your gums, don’t hesitate to contact us today.
