The Causes of Gum Recession

Gum recession is what happens when your gum tissue begins to pull up and away from the teeth. It can have all sorts of problems with your smile, although most people are mainly concerned with the way it makes their smile look. However, receding gums can cause many more serious problems with your mouth, or can serve as an indication of a much larger issue.

Below are a few of the most common causes of receding gums:

• Brushing Your Teeth Too Hard – Receding gums can be caused by aggressive brushing. In order to prevent this, make sure you’re using a soft-bristled toothbrush and be gentle. You don’t have to brush aggressively in order to remove plaque buildup.
• Gum Disease – Perhaps the most common symptom of gum disease is gum recession. If you begin to notice your gums receding, it’s very important to visit Meadows Family Dentistry to rule out gum disease. The earlier gum disease is caught, the easier it is to treat.
• Genetics and Overall Health – Gum recession can be caused by genetics. If other members of your family (especially your parents and/or siblings) suffer from gum recession, you’ll want to take extra precautions to care for your own gums.
• Tobacco Use – Smoking cigarettes and using smokeless tobacco can irritate the gum tissue, causing it to recede.
• Medical Conditions – Diabetes and gum disease have both been linked to gum recession. In addition, women going through temporary hormonal changes, such as pregnancy or menopause, may also experience gum recession.
• Oral Hygiene – If you aren’t taking proper care of your dental health, you may be unknowingly growing the perfect environment for bacteria. If you aren’t brushing these bacteria away properly, your gums may begin to recede.

As seen above, gum recession can be a sign a serious problem. Here at Meadows Family Dental, we urge you to take your receding gums seriously. If you suffer from any of the risk factors or if you believe your gums may already be receding, please contact our office, located in Castle Rock, CO!