What Causes Gum Recession and What Can You Do About It?

If you’ve noticed that your gums seem to have shrunk or your teeth look longer than they used to, you might have a condition called gum recession. Read on to learn about some of the common causes and how you can prevent further recession.

Have you ever heard someone refer to an older person as being a bit “long in the tooth?” This old saying refers to gum recession, a common condition in which your gum tissue draws away from the surface of your teeth, revealing more of the tooth roots.

Understanding the cause of receding gums can empower you to take action to prevent this from happening. If you’ve already experienced changes to your gum tissue, you can rely on Dr. Segal and the team at Periodontist of Weston for the full scope of diagnostic and treatment options. We’re happy to deliver this information on the causes of receding gums and how you can protect your dental health both today and in the years to come.

Why is periodontal health so important?

Your gum tissue has several important roles. Gums help hold your teeth in place. They also serve as a protective barrier between the environment within your mouth and your bloodstream. Periodontal health focuses on keeping your gum tissue healthy and treating issues as they arise.

The human mouth is filled with an astounding array of bacteria, some of which are helpful and some that have the potential to harm. If harmful bacteria enter your bloodstream, they can cause widespread damage.

Why have my gums changed over time?

Once you have all of your permanent teeth, your gums adhere to the surface of your teeth to create a strong barrier. But a number of things can cause your gums to begin receding, which leaves more of your tooth roots exposed.

Gum recession is a common issue and can affect people of any age. Some individuals are genetically predisposed to receding gums. Others develop the condition as a result of dental hygiene habits or lifestyle choices.

Some of the more common causes of receding gums include:

Abnormal tooth alignment
Smoking or using chewing tobacco
Brushing too aggressively or using a firm-bristled toothbrush
Trauma to gum tissue
Lip or tongue piercings

Plaque and tartar are sticky substances that provide the perfect place for bacteria to multiply and thrive. That can lead to inflammation that causes your gum tissue to pull away from your teeth.

These small pockets of space between your teeth and gums are an even better place for bacteria to take hold. An infection in your gums is called periodontitis, and it will almost always lead to receding gums if left untreated.

Prevent gum recession by taking control of your dental health and hygiene

Brushing your teeth thoroughly every day is the best way to remove plaque before it can harden into tartar, at which point only a dental professional can remove it. Flossing is also essential, as it removes plaque located in the tight spaces between your teeth.

Even people with outstanding dental hygiene habits should also come in for professional dental cleanings twice a year. This timing ensures that a dental specialist has the chance to remove buildup from your teeth before serious issues can arise. It also allows Dr. Segal to spot the signs of gum disease in the earliest possible stages, when treatment is most effective.

The early stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. At this stage, your gums might be swollen, tender, and prone to bleeding easily, but the infection hasn’t advanced to the point of permanent gum damage.

What if I already have receding gums?

If your gums have already begun to pull back from the surface of your teeth, Dr. Segal can advise you on how to take action. If you have active gum disease, you may need to come in more frequently for periodontal treatment to stop the infection and allow your gums to heal.

If a substantial portion of your tooth roots are exposed, you might be a good candidate for gum grafting. This process uses tissue from your own body or from a donor to cover those exposed roots and protect them.

If you’re concerned about receding gums and want to explore treatment options, the Periodontist of Weston team is here to help. Give us a quick call to schedule a visit, or spend a few moments on the online booking page to find a time that works for you.