Receding gums can cause teeth to come loose and, in severe cases, even fall out because teeth depend on gums for support. When gums recede, they leave space where germs can easily collect, putting your health at risk from gingivitis, periodontitis, and other gum diseases.
This is a rather common dental issue. Almost half of all adults aged 30 and up have periodontal disease, one of the primary causes of receding gums. By the age of 65, that percentage increases to almost 70%.
What are receding gums?
When the gum tissue around the teeth recedes and reveals a greater portion of the tooth or the dental root, this condition is known as gum recession. When gums recede, spaces or “pockets” develop between the tooth and gum line, providing ideal conditions for the growth of bacteria that can cause gum disease. In the worst-case scenario, tooth loss may occur if damage to the bones and gums goes untreated.
Receding gums are a common dental issue. They usually go undetected since this condition develops slowly over time. Gum recession typically manifests itself first in heightened tooth sensitivity or the appearance of an abnormally long tooth. In most cases, you’ll be able to detect a notch just by your gums.
Factors that cause receding gums
So, what is causing your gums to recede? Gums can recede due to various reasons, such as:
Lack of attention to dental health
Since plaque sticks to teeth and gums, it starts to eat away at the gums and eventually causes them to recede. The further your gums recede from your teeth, the more room plaque and bacteria have to accumulate and cause problems.
Clenching and gnashing of teeth
Excessive teeth grinding, whether this happens while you’re sleeping or awake, can lead to receding gums. Constant pressure on the gums, as a result of sleepy teeth grinding, can cause them to recede. When your gums become inflamed, it places extra pressure on your teeth. This can lead to periodontal disease. And if you don’t get periodontal treatment, it may result in tooth loss and even bone loss if the gums and supporting tissues around the teeth are damaged.
Poor brushing technique
Gum recession can be brought on by trauma caused by the toothbrush, certain meals, or piercings. Exposed Root surfaces allow bacteria to seep under the gums and cause inflammation and pain. Some foods can damage tender gum tissue, piercings can irritate the gums if they rub against them too often, and vigorous tooth brushing can also cause damage. Plaque can be removed while brushing with only a light, soothing pressure.
Diabetes
Gum disease is more prevalent in individuals who have diabetes since this disease reduces blood flow, which compromises the gums and bones that support the teeth, making them more susceptible to infection. In addition, elevated blood glucose in the saliva is a result of poorly managed diabetes, which promotes bacterial development and leads to gum recession.
Pustules and bleeding gums
Plaque and bacteria that build up on teeth, gums, and in the spaces between them are the main culprits in the development of gingivitis. The symptoms of gingivitis include gum inflammation and redness, tooth pain, bleeding gums, and gum recession. The disease grows and eventually causes tooth loss if it is not treated.
Low levels of vitamin C
Vitamin C is essential for everyone since it is needed to make collagen, develop and repair cells, maintain a healthy immune system, and lower blood sugar levels. Vitamin C deficiency has been linked in numerous studies to an increased risk of periodontal disease. Vitamin C levels are found to be lower in smokers and people exposed to passive smoking.
Smoking
Gum disease is strongly linked to smoking habits. Chronic gum disease is even more difficult to treat when a person smokes, since smoking lowers the body’s response to illness. If your gums are already inflamed, smoking will only make things worse during the healing process.
Dental services to help stop receding gums
Gum recession is a serious condition that needs immediate attention. Schedule a visit to the dentist if you’ve noticed receding gums. The gum can be treated to avoid future injury and promote healing.
If you want to prevent gum recession, your first step should be to make an appointment with us at Mission Dental Implant Center. The earlier we begin treating your receding gums, the higher chance you have of preventing them from complete loss of gum tissue.
If your gums have receded noticeably, a gum transplant may be necessary to restore their health and the health of your teeth.
Don’t let receding gums compromise your smile. Get in touch with our helpful team to learn more about our dental services.
