Why are My Gums Receding?

While many people understand the importance of eating right and exercising to maintain their overall health, oral health can often be neglected or dismissed. When you begin to notice pain or sensitivity when you eat it could be a sign of neglected oral health, and left untreated can lead to not only oral health problems but more serious health complications as well. Receding gums are a serious oral health concern that should be addressed quickly. Here are some of the reasons why your gums may be receding:

• Insufficient dental care. One of the leading causes of receding gums is the lack or inconstancy of dental care. Not only will insufficient or inconsistent dental care eventually lead to receding gum lines it can lead to many cavities, tooth decay, and even damage to roots. This will lead to more pain and illness as well as more expensive dental care and repair later on. It’s important to follow suggested guideline and have routine dental checkups done at least twice a year to ensure good oral health and to take care of any dental procedures and repairs quickly.
• Brushing too hard. Your gums are the most sensitive area in your mouth. While brushing and flossing is vital to good oral health, it is possible to damage your gum line and cause them to recede if you brush to hard or use a toothbrush with hard bristles. Your dentist can suggest the right toothbrush as well as show you proper brushing techniques. Using a toothbrush that is designed to clean your teeth while massaging your gums will allow for better oral health.
• Hormonal changes. As you age you may notice changes in your gum line that you have no control over. Hormonal changes can happen during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause that will affect your gums. During these times if you notice your gums seem more sensitive than normal be gentler when brushing, and talk to your dentist about any specific areas of concern.
• Genetics. Just as hormones can affect your gums, so can genetics. Those who have a predisposition to dental concerns should be more proactive in their checkups and with talking to a dentist to take preventative measures.
• Habits. There are several habits that can also affect your dental health and your gums. These habits include smoking, tobacco use, and grinding teeth. Many habits can negatively impact your teeth and gums. If you notice a problem being caused by bad habits, work to change them.
• Periodontal disease. A gum infection is a serious concern because it the infection if not treated can begin to eat away at and destroy both gum tissue as well as teeth. These infections need to be treated by a dentist as quickly as possible to ensure better oral health.

While the cause of your gums receding could be one of many, the solution is to visit with a dentist to determine the extent of the receding gum line, address the underlying cause, and follow a dentist’s advice to help repair the damage and reverse the effects. Keeping your gums healthy will not only make eating more enjoyable it can have a dramatic impact in your overall health and wellbeing.