[Top3] Causes Of Receding Gums

There are several potential causes of receding gums, including periodontal disease, hormonal changes, aggressive brushing and flossing, smoking, and genetics.

Periodontal disease is the leading cause of gum recession in adults over thirty. It’s an infection of the soft tissue and bone that support teeth. Bacteria from plaque buildup can accumulate below the gum line causing inflammation and destruction of these tissues.

Hormonal changes due to pregnancy, menstruation, or menopause can weaken connective tissues, making them more susceptible to damage by plaque and calculus buildup.

Aggressive brushing and flossing techniques can also wear away at delicate gum tissue over time as well as incorrect toothbrush size or type.

Smoking or chewing tobacco has been linked to increased gum recession and gum disease.

Finally, genetics can play a role in receding gums but is not as significant of a factor as the aforementioned causes.

If you think you may be experiencing an issue with your gums please contact your dentist right away to discuss possible treatments.

Early detection and treatment of periodontal disease can help prevent long-term damage like gum recession or bone loss. Your dentist will be able to prescribe medications that can reduce inflammation and infection if necessary for the successful management of your condition.

It’s important to follow all instructions provided by your doctor to ensure the best outcomes for your oral health concerns.

Abrasive Tooth Brushing

Sometimes enthusiastic oral hygiene routines have the opposite of the desired effect. We may tend to think that a vigorous scrub is the best way to ensure clean and sparkling teeth however it is important to remember that our gums are in fact very soft and vulnerable. Stop for a moment to feel your own gums with your tongue or finger and notice just how soft and sensitive they are.

There are a reason injections into the gum are so painful! Regularly scrubbing the teeth sideways with a hard-bristled brush is far too much for this vulnerable tissue to handle and over time it is worn away and pushed out of position. In some cases, this factor alone is the primary cause of receding gums.

The first point of action for anyone suffering gum recession is to examine their oral hygiene routine and look for ways to make it less abrasive while simultaneously maintaining or improving its effectiveness at cleaning the mouth. Teeth cleaning should not be done in the way one scrubs a hard floor or dirty pan; the rapid and harsh “get it done fast” approach is not ideal, to say the least.

Instead, the teeth should be cleaned in the same way one would clean a priceless antique, softly and gently with the utmost care to avoid damage. When we are born our mouths are sterile and free of bacteria for around the first ten hours of our life. From that point forward bacteria begins to accumulate in the mouth and removing it is a process that has to be kept up daily for our entire lifespan.

When bacteria is allowed to build up it causes a process that gradually dissolves teeth and gums – a major component of gum recession. It is important to have a basic understanding of what this bacteria does in the mouth so you are clear on what you have to do to stop it.

Why Bacteria Leads to Decay?

The two specific types of bacteria that love to live in our mouth are the “Mutans Streptococci” and the “Lactobacilli”. These bacteria hang out around our teeth for a very good reason; they love to eat sugar. Since sugar is found in every single type of food, each time we eat a meal sugary residues are left on our teeth for these bacteria to crowd around and chew on.

In other words, the bacteria in our mouth feeds on our leftovers! Yet surprisingly it is not the actual bacteria feeding process that causes us problems. The real problematic part of this process – the part that causes the degradation of our teeth and gums – takes place after the bacteria have eaten their fill.

Much like ourselves, after eating a meal these bacteria ‘digest’ their food and then excrete a waste byproduct. In this case their highly acidic waste gets deposited all over our teeth and gums and gradually dissolves them every second it is left unchecked. The longer the acid is left on the teeth and gums the more damage it does.

This is also the reason why highly sugary foods lead to faster rates of decay. With sugar being the favorite food of Mutans Streptococci and Lactobacilli, the more of it you leave on your teeth the bigger the crowd of bacteria that will gather around to feast…and the more acidic refuse you’ll accumulate.

The longer you leave it there the nastier will be the result. It’s no wonder dentists are always telling us to clean our teeth as quickly as possible after eating!

Main Causes of Receding Gums,​ Dental Plaque

​These large crowds of bacteria enjoy the sugar party on your teeth so much that they will actually start to form what is called a “colony”. They produce a film that helps them to easily cling to a tooth so they can keep on eating and excreting with minimal effort.

This combination of film and bacteria is called a “biofilm” and this particular type is the white goop we all know as “plaque”.

Plaque becomes the bacteria’s home in your mouth and it also forces the acid they excrete to be held directly against your teeth, maximizing the damage caused. It all happens on a tiny scale but the damage it does to your teeth and gums is no small matter.

​Tartar

Plaque is soft enough that it can be removed with a toothbrush but every second you leave it there the bacteria will keep trying to build themselves a more solid home. After 48 hours plaque starts to harden and after around ten days it will have turned into a rock-solid substance called “tartar” that is much more difficult to remove.

Even if you regularly clean your teeth it is possible to miss some plaque if your technique is not correct and this can easily become tartar. The third cause of receding gums can be the most common cause, and it is:

Hereditary and Dietary Issues

In some cases hereditary issues can be the cause of thin and weak gum tissue, making a person more susceptible to gum recession. However just because a problem is hereditary does not mean it cannot be treated. There are certain dietary choices that can be made to give the gums extra strength and a top-quality oral hygiene routine will give the body the best possible chance of full health despite congenital weakness.

Even for those without hereditary gum problems there are key nutrients that must be sufficiently present in the diet if the gums and teeth are to remain strong. Anyone suffering from receding gums should be aware of these key nutrients and take action to incorporate them into their diet and oral hygiene routine.

NOTE: Smoking, dipping and chewing tobacco are known to weaken the gums and, fortunately, either of these issues can be removed simply by making the right personal choice.

Additionally, if you have a tongue or lip piercing the rubbing of the jewelry on your gums and teeth will invariably wear them down. This is the case regardless of the type of jewelry worn, so you will have to remove it permanently to prevent further damage.

FAQ

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Genetics: Some people have a predisposition to gum recession passed down through their genes, making them more vulnerable to the condition

When it comes to our genes and genetics, there are a plethora of traits and conditions that can be passed down from generation to generation. One such condition that has gained quite a bit of attention in recent years is gum recession. For those who may be unfamiliar with this condition, gum recession occurs when the gum tissue that surrounds and supports our teeth begins to pull back and expose more of the tooth or even the tooth’s root. This can, in turn, lead to a variety of dental issues such as tooth sensitivity, decay, and even tooth loss.

While there are numerous factors that can contribute to gum recession, recent research has shed light on the fact that genetics may also play a role. It turns out that some people have a predisposition to this condition that is passed down through their genes, making them more vulnerable to the condition than others. In fact, a recent study found that up to 30% of people who have gum recession may have inherited the condition from one or both parents.

So, what can be done to prevent or mitigate the effects of this inherited predisposition? Well, the good news is that there are several steps people can take to protect their gums and teeth, regardless of their genetic predisposition. One of the most important things anyone can do is practice good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing twice per day, flossing daily, and using mouthwash. Additionally, avoiding harmful habits such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can also help keep the gums healthy.

In conclusion, while there is still much to learn about the role genetics plays in gum recession, it is clear that this condition can be passed down through generations. For those who may have a family history of gum recession, taking steps to protect the gums and teeth through good oral hygiene habits and healthy lifestyle choices is essential to maintaining overall dental health. By staying proactive and informed, individuals can work to minimize the impact of this inherited predisposition and keep their gums healthy for years to come.

Gum disease: The primary reason for gum recession is gum disease, a chronic inflammation of the gums and bones caused by bacteria in dental plaque

Gum disease is one of the leading causes of gum recession, a condition where the gum tissue pulls back from the teeth, causing an exposure of the tooth root. It is essential to maintain good oral hygiene, including regular brushing and flossing, to prevent gum disease, which can lead to other serious health problems, including heart disease and diabetes.

The primary cause of gum disease is the buildup of dental plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth and gums. Plaque can cause inflammation, irritation, and redness of the gums, leading to gum disease. Over time, the gum tissue becomes damaged, leading to gum recession, which can cause tooth sensitivity and even tooth loss if left untreated.

If you notice any signs of gum recession, such as tooth sensitivity, bleeding gums, or loose teeth, it is important to see a dentist immediately to get proper treatment. Your dentist may recommend deep cleaning, antibiotics, or in extreme cases, surgery. It is essential to take care of your oral health to prevent gum disease and its potential impact on your overall health.

In conclusion, gum disease is a common yet preventable condition that can lead to gum recession and other serious health problems. It is essential to maintain good oral hygiene, including regular brushing and flossing, and to see your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. Remember, prevention is always better than cure when it comes to your health.

Poor oral hygiene: Improper brushing, flossing, and rinsing can accumulate deposits that harden into tartar, causing gum recession

and tooth decay. Poor oral hygiene is a major problem that affects people of all ages. Neglecting your teeth can result in serious dental problems including cavities, gum diseases, and even tooth loss in extreme cases.

The main reason for poor oral hygiene is the lack of knowledge and awareness about dental care. Many people do not know the proper brushing and flossing techniques, which lead to the accumulation of bacteria and food particles in the mouth. This can eventually cause plaque buildup, which can then harden into tartar.

Tartar buildup is one of the biggest risk factors associated with poor oral hygiene. Tartar serves as a breeding ground for harmful bacteria, which can cause tooth decay and gum disease. When left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss and can even spread to other parts of the body.

In order to prevent poor oral hygiene, it is important to practice good oral hygiene habits. This includes brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing daily, and using an antiseptic mouthwash. Regular visits to the dentist are also important, as they can identify any dental issues early on and recommend the appropriate treatment.

In conclusion, poor oral hygiene can lead to serious dental problems, and it is important to take proper care of your teeth and gums to prevent any issues from developing. By practicing good oral hygiene habits and visiting your dentist regularly, you can maintain a healthy and beautiful smile for years to come.