Why Are My Gums Receding?

Your teeth are what make a healthy and beautiful smile. However, it is your gums that hold your teeth in place. In fact, your oral health involves the health of your gums just as much as it does the health of your teeth. One of the most notable concerns that patients have about their gums is recession, or the gradual shrinking or shortening of the gum height at the base of the teeth.

Receding gums can make your teeth look longer than usual, and it can also cause disruptive sensitivity since the tooth roots are more exposed. Regardless of how it is bothering you, it is important to let a dentist determine why your gums are receding. While it is not always cause for alarm or within your control, gum recession can also be a major warning sign that your periodontal health needs professional attention.

What Is Causing My Receding Gums?

Before you can treat or reverse your receding gums, you must determine the cause. There are many reasons why your gums may begin to recede, including the following:

Age
As we get older, our gums naturally begin to recede. Gentle gum brushing can minimize or delay the gum recession that comes with aging.

Periodontal Disease
The main preventable cause of receding gums is periodontal disease. The earliest stage is gingivitis, which is the minor gum infection that causes the gums to become red, swollen and bleed easily. If not treated, the infection can eventually destroy the gum tissue and cause the gums to recede or pull away from the tooth roots.

Incorrect Brushing
Are you brushing too hard or using a hard-bristled toothbrush? Your aggressive or zealous brushing efforts may be the culprit to your receding gums. Teeth and gums are effectively cleaned in most cases using gentle pressure and a soft or medium-bristled toothbrushes.

Poor Oral Habits
Clenching your teeth, grinding your teeth, biting your nails and smoking are all habits that can cause the gums to recede over time.  Stop your harmful oral habits and consider a mouth guard if you tend to grind your teeth while you sleep.

Experienced Dentist in Mt. Pleasant

If you are concerned about receding gums, our team at Rivers + Tanner Family Dentistry can help. We can determine the reason why your gums are receding and provide an effective solution to restore the health and appearance of your gums.