What are the Causes of Receding Gums?

Gum recession occurs when the soft tissue surrounding the teeth gets damaged towards the end of the root, exposing the tooth enamel further. Read on to know what causes it.

• Receding gums may be the initial signs of gum disease. Gum recession often creates gaps between the teeth and the gum line, making it easy for food particles to enter and trigger the growth rate of the disease-causing bacteria. If left unattended, the tissues and bone structures of the jaw line can be damaged ultimately causing pain and random tooth loss.
• Excessive growth of bacteria in the mouth that break down proteins in the mouth and form mucus can cause bacterial infection in the gaps of the tooth. Usually, the first sign of receding gums is hypersensitive tooth. Gum recession is not something you want to ignore. If you think your gums are receding, make an appointment with your dentist. There are treatments that can repair the gum and prevent further damage.
• Some people suffer from receding gums since their birth. This might be due to low immunity levels in the gums regardless how well they care for their teeth.
• Aggressive brushing strokes can cause gums to recede. Brushing involves a basic technique which if not followed can lead to enamel loss of the teeth.
• Insufficient dental care can cause accumulation of tartar leading to receding gums. Flossing, massaging the gums with your fingers and some professional dental cleaning can cure you of gum recessions.
• Piercing the tongue can cause the gums to recede. Jewelries can cause repeated friction causing a shift in the gum structure and tissue loss.
• Certain periodontal diseases such as gum infections caused by bacteria can cause the gums to recede. This mostly happens when the gum tissue supporting the teeth is destroyed. One must understand that it is not a one-day process. Receding gums are caused by various reasons and any uncomfortable pain, damage or increased sensitivity should be given priority.
• Major hormonal fluctuations can cause recession in the gums. Setbacks such as pregnancy, puberty, menopause, excessive spotting or fluctuations in weight lead to hyper sensitivisation of gums.
• Excessive smoking and consumption of tobacco triggers tartar formation in the gums making them lose and incapable of holding the teeth together in shape.
• A misaligned bite in the gums or injury due to careless use of toothpicks can cause gum recession.
• Grinding your teeth with too much force can cause gum recession in the long term.

Locate the reason behind your receding gums and sort out the matter as soon as you can. However, if they have receded to a point that it causes acute pain then consult a dentist to help you find relief from the condition.

Read more articles on Gum Diseases