Have you experienced receding gums? This particular oral problem happens when the gum tissue that surrounds your teeth moves back or wears away. Your teeth and sometimes even the root of your teeth can become exposed. When that happens it can create a pocket between your tooth and your gums. This creates bacteria growth and causes decay, which can lead to infection and the possibility of tooth loss.
What causes this condition to happen? The main reasons are over-brushing, teeth grinding, and periodontal disease.
Over-Brushing Causes Receding Gums
Everyone knows you should be brushing your teeth after meals right? But some of you take that to the extreme and brush way too hard! This causes your gums to recede and can wear away your gum tissue.
How do you know if you're brushing your teeth too hard?
- If it feels like scrubbing rather than brushing, it’s too hard.
- If you flatten out your toothbrushes or smash all the bristles, it’s too hard.
- You want to use gentle massaging motions and use a soft bristle toothbrush.
- Hard toothbrushes also help contribute to receding gums.
You may have receding gums only on one side of your mouth. Why? Because your dominant hand may brush harder on one side compared to the other side of your mouth.
How can you lessen the possibility of damaging your gums while brushing your teeth?
- Switch to a softer toothbrush.
- Or use an electric toothbrush instead. It provides a soft brush and the right speed to properly clean your teeth.
Do You Grind or Clench Your Teeth? This Too Can Cause Your Gums to Recede
Teeth grinding (also known as Bruxism), can also hasten gum issues. You can buy over-the-counter nighttime mouth guards to help you with this issue. We can also help advise you as to the best types of products to prevent further damage from clenching and grinding if you have questions.
Periodontal Disease
This is the primary cause of gum recession. What is periodontal disease? It is a bacterial infection that destroys gum tissue and the bones that hold the teeth in place.
If you have periodontal disease, you may have bleeding gums, pain, and a lot of build-up of tartar around your teeth. This affects your gums and the bone which causes your gum tissue to recede.
Not taking good care of your teeth helps cause periodontal disease. Brushing twice each day, flossing daily, and rinsing with mouthwash can all help your teeth and gums stay healthy. Regular visits to your dentist and hygenist are very important for your oral health.
We offer laser bacterial reduction (LBR) treatment. This is a specialized laser that we can use to kill bacteria living in your gums. We also offer fluoride treatments that help strengthen and remineralize your exposed roots.
What Should You Do if You Think You Have Receding Gums?
Receding gums don’t grow back. It’s very important to come to see us here at Mid Cities Dental if you notice any of these issues. We can give you a good rechargeable toothbrush and also night guards to help with the teeth grinding and clenching. Dealing with over brushing, teeth grinding, clenching, and periodontal disease early will help you save your gum tissue and stop recession in its tracks.