What Causes Receding Gums?

Have you ever heard the term, “long in the teeth”? Receding gumlines aren’t necessarily a rite of passage into adulthood. They can actually be avoided if you know what’s causing them.

For healthier gums and a beautiful smile, watch out for these common gum recession risks:

Misaligned Teeth

If you have a tooth that’s tilted out of alignment, you may notice that the gums in that area are slightly receded. This is partially due to the tension of pulling against a crooked/moving tooth, compared to its neighbors.

Gum Disease

Periodontal disease/periodontitis disrupts the attachment fibers between your gum tissues and root structures. Over time, it can cause your gingiva to pull away from your tooth. Other symptoms include tooth mobility, sensitivity, bleeding, and swelling.

Aggressive Toothbrushing

Believe it or not, there is such a thing as brushing your teeth too hard. If you use a stiff or extra-stiff bristled toothbrush, you’ll be at a greater risk of causing gum recession as well as enamel abrasion in your tooth over time. Instead, use a soft or extra-soft brush and only apply gentle pressure.

Tobacco Use

If you’re someone who smokes or uses dip tobacco (snuff), there’s a greater chance that you’ll experience gum recession. Especially if you’re holding your dip tobacco in the same location each day. Tobacco users are at a greater risk of asymptomatic gum disease, so be sure to see our Dunwoody dentists for regular oral health screenings.

Schedule an Exam

Treatment for receding gumlines can help prevent additional tooth loss and sensitivity. Call Dunwoody Family & Cosmetic Dentistry today to schedule an exam with one of our experienced dentists.