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What’s Causing My Gums to Recede?

Gulf Coast Periodontics & Implants Blog What’s Causing My Gums to Recede?
What’s Causing My Gums to Recede?

When you have receding gums, the delicate soft tissue in your mouth starts wearing away or separating from your tooth. 

In the earliest stages, you may not notice these subtle gum changes. However, with time, it can cause your smile to become more “toothy.” It’s also common for teeth to become more sensitive, loose, or even fall out.

Fortunately, you can treat gum recession and keep it from worsening.  But, once your gums are gone, they can’t grow back.

Caesar Sweidan, DDS, and Laura Smith, DDS, check for gum recession during routine appointments at Gulf Coast Periodontics & Implants in Gulfport, Mississippi. 

Are your gums receding? Here’s what could be to blame.

Periodontal disease

Periodontal – or gum — disease is a leading cause of gum recession. After all, this condition is an infection that damages this soft and delicate tissue.

Nearly 50% of adults 30 and older have some form of gum disease, and cases only increase with age.

If you’ve been neglecting your oral hygiene or regular dental visits, it could be putting your gums at risk.

Brushing habits

Just like too little brushing can increase your chances of gum recession, so can too much of a good thing.

Years of overzealous brushing or using brushes with still bristles can take a toll on your gum tissue. 

Pamper your teeth and gums with good oral hygiene by cleaning them gently with a soft-bristled brush. And don’t forget flossing for those hard-to-reach areas.

Genetics

Sometimes, gum recession is entirely out of your control because of hereditary factors, like the thickness of your gums and the position or alignment of your teeth.

Similarly, some individuals seem more susceptible to inflammatory causes that lead to receding gums. For instance, having thinner gum tissue can increase your chances of plaque-causing inflammation.

Physical factors or lifestyle choices

Finally, your chances of developing gum recession increase if you:

Gum recession can happen to anyone, but it’s most common in people over 65. 

Diagnosing and treating gum recession

It’s important to catch receding gums early to avoid more serious complications. 

Dr. Sweidan and Dr. Smith take regular measurements of gum tissue during routine office visits. That enables them to detect the smallest changes as early as possible. Then, they can outline a treatment strategy immediately.

Treating gum disease varies based on individual factors, including the cause of the issue and the severity of the damage. 

If you have severe gum recession, Dr. Sweidan and Dr. Smith could suggest gum or even bone grafting and dental implants.

If you haven’t had a dental exam recently or notice your gums receding, it’s crucial to see an expert as quickly as possible to restore your oral health.

Do you need help with gum recession? Contact Gulf Coast Periodontics & Implants to schedule a consultation with Dr. Sweidan or Dr. Smith in Gulfport, Mississippi, today.

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