Taking Care of Your Dental Health: 5 Reasons Your Gums Might be Receding

Receding gums are often painful. And if your gums are receding, you might think there’s no remedy. But there are treatments to help the situation. The first step is to consult a dentist for a diagnosis. An accurate diagnosis is required in order to determine the best treatment. Here are five common causes of receding gums.

Periodontal Disease

Poor oral hygiene can cause periodontal disease. The condition is a gum infection caused by bacteria. Receding gums are one possible symptom. Damaged soft tissue, loose teeth, and tooth loss can occur as well. The disease can also cause bad breathe and erode teeth-supporting bone.

Teeth Grinding

You probably grind your teeth on occasion. Maybe when you’re stressed or anxious. But when it’s done often, teeth grinding can damage the gums. You might hear your dentist say the word bruxism. Don’t panic. Bruxism is just the medical name for teeth grinding, and it’s usually easy to treat.

Rough Brushing

Teeth require a gentle touch. Brushing aggressively with a firm bristle or medium bristle toothbrush can damage your gums. That’s why most general dentistry practices provide their patients with soft-bristle toothbrushes. The American Dental Association suggests brushing twice a day with a soft-bristle toothbrush. It’s also suggested that you brush no longer than two minutes.

Crooked Teeth

Your teeth should align properly. When the alignment is off, then the crooked teeth are often forced even further out of position. If the misalignment is severe, then the gums can start to recede.

Biology

Genetics affect every part of your body. So if your parents have receding gums, then you’re more likely to develop them as well. Your chances of developing the condition decrease if only one parent is affected.

Treatment Options

Unless your condition is severe, a general dentistry practice can provide the help you need. Your dentist will identify the cause of the problem after a thorough dental exam. If the condition is in its early stages, then an at-home treatment is possibly all you’ll need.

In a severe case, more aggressive treatment is often necessary. The dentist might suggest you see an oral surgeon or a periodontal specialist. Or perhaps some other treatment, such as a deep cleaning will help the problem. Make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. Receding gums indicate an oral health problem requiring immediate attention.