7 Causes And Treatment Of Receding Gums, According To Dentists

Knowing the causes of receding gums can help you keep the problem under control. Here are the causes of receding gums and what you can do to protect your gums and teeth.

If you think your teeth look a little longer today, keep that in mind. You may be suffering from receding gums, which can increase the risk of sensitivity, tooth decay and tooth loss.

Gum recession is a gradual problem that occurs when gum tissue separates from the teeth, exposing the roots of the teeth. It can occur anywhere in the mouth or around a tooth, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

Sometimes you can tell the problem just by looking in the mirror, and if mild gum recession occurs, it may not cause other oral health problems. However, if gum recession becomes severe, it can cause toothache, sensitivity, and even loosening of the teeth.

Knowing the causes of receding gums can help you keep the problem under control. Here are the causes of receding gums and what you can do to protect your gums and teeth.

Causes of gum recession
1. Maybe you brush your teeth too hard

Regular tooth brushing is essential for oral health. But being overzealous about it can irritate gum tissue and cause inflammation that can lead to gum recession over time, according to a May 2016 study published in the ‌Dental Press Journal Orthodontics‌.

The same applies if you use a toothbrush with very hard bristles. A hard toothbrush, even a medium hard one, can damage your gums. Therefore, choose only soft bristle toothbrushes.

2. You may have a buildup of plaque or tartar on your teeth
Not brushing your teeth often enough can also cause gum recession. Poor dental hygiene can cause plaque (a sticky film of bacteria and food on the teeth) and tartar (hardened plaque that can cause tooth decay) to build up around the gums, which can lead to tooth inflammation.

3. Gum disease
Plaque and tartar can eventually get under the gum line and cause further gingivitis, which can lead to gum disease or infection.

According to dentists, this problem can cause redness, swelling and inflammation of the gums, which can lead to gum recession.

Severe gum disease can make chewing painful over time and even cause teeth to loosen or fall out.

4. You may grind your teeth

Repeatedly grinding your teeth can put pressure on your gums, causing them to become swollen and inflamed. Dentists say this inflammation can cause gum recession over time.

Dentists say anyone can grind their teeth or suffer from bruxism, and that the problem is usually caused by uncontrolled anxiety. Most people who grind their teeth don’t realize they’re doing it (because it often happens while they sleep), but it can also cause pain or sensitivity in the teeth, tension in the jaw muscles, headaches, or pain around the jaw, ear, neck or chin.

5. Your teeth may be crooked
Crooked teeth can damage your gums.

Dentists say: “If there is a misalignment between the teeth, the gum tissue covering the root may be more exposed to trauma and wear from activities such as chewing or brushing. “This can cause gum recession,” she says.

6. Smoking or using tobacco

You may know that smoking can cause discoloration of your teeth, but it can also damage your gums.

Tobacco use weakens the immune system and makes it harder for the gums to fight infection, which can lead to gingivitis and gum recession.

The longer you smoke, the more likely you are to have gum problems.

7. Using lip or tongue piercings
Dentists say mouth piercings can increase the risk of gum recession over time.

Sometimes piercing causes irritation and inflammation, causing gum recession. Dentists note that drilling for other reasons can cause lesions that damage the teeth or gum tissue, which can lead to gingivitis.