Receding gums can be a silent condition you may not be aware of until you start having major problems. They can be caused by a variety of issues other than gingivitis.
What Are Receding Gums?
The gums at the base of the teeth start to draw away or shrink, allowing more tooth to show, including the root and leave little pockets where infection can breed. This can result in bleeding gums, infections, bad breath and tooth loss.
While gingivitis is the major cause of receding gums, it is not the only one.
- Poor dental hygiene and lack of regular dental care – Improper brushing and flossing along with irregular visits to your dentist are the leading cause because it can lead to gingivitis and all its complications including periodontal disease and its many complications.
- Brushing too aggressively – Brushing improperly or too hard can wear away the enamel that protects the teeth and cause gum bleeding. That can lead to receding gums.
- Grinding teeth – Grinding teeth can put pressure on teeth. Causing gums to bleed and eventually recede.
- Tooth crowding and poor alignment – Tooth crowding and poor alignment can cause teeth to move and interrupt the bone and gum health
- Hormone changes in women – Hormone changes in all phases of a woman’s life can cause oral health problems – but during pregnancy in particular, these hormonal changes can cause bleeding gums.
- Heredity – About 30% of people are naturally prone to receding gums.
- Smoking and other tobacco users – Smokers are at a prime risk for receding gums. Tobacco causes a sticky residue on the teeth that can lead to gum disease and receding gums.
- Body piercing of lip or tongue – Jewelry in the piercing can wear away at the gums, causing irritation and bleeding. Over time the resultant irritation can result in receding gums.
Regardless of their cause, receding gums should not be taken lightly and need to be addressed with your dentist as soon as possible to avoid tooth loss and other major dental health problems.
Please contact us if you are suffering from receding gums.