What Causes Receding Gums and How Are They Treated?
Receding gums, also called gingival recession, is a condition in which the gum tissue pulls back, exposing more of the tooth — and sometimes the tooth’s root. Receding gums can happen to one tooth or many teeth. They can occur gradually or suddenly.
When your gums recede, it’s not just esthetics — your oral health is at stake. Exposed tooth roots are vulnerable to decay and infection. If you have receding gums, you may be more likely to develop periodontitis, a serious gum disease that can lead to tooth loss. It is crucial to visit a dentist near Youngtown for proper treatment.
What Causes Receding Gums?
Several factors might cause receding gums:
- Plaque Buildup
Plaque buildup is a common cause of gum receding, a sticky substance that forms on teeth and contains bacteria, which can lead to cavities and gum disease. It’s important to remove plaque with daily brushing and flossing and regular visits with your dentist for professional cleaning services.
- Gum Disease
Gum disease is a common condition that affects the gums and bones that support your teeth. It can cause pain, swelling, and loss of teeth. Gum disease is caused by plaque buildup on your teeth. Plaque is made up of bacteria, food particles, and saliva. If you don’t remove this buildup regularly with brushing or flossing, it hardens into tartar (tartar buildup) which leads to gum disease if not removed by a dental professional in time
- Diabetes
Diabetes causes high blood sugar, damaging the gums and other body parts, including your heart, kidneys, and eyes. If you have diabetes and don’t control it properly, it can lead to serious health problems such as heart disease or stroke.
If you have diabetes:
- Ensure to brush and floss
- Visit the Youngtown dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings.
- Smoking and chewing tobacco can cause receding gums. Smoking is a common cause of gum disease, leading to tooth loss and other oral health problems. Chewing tobacco has been linked with cancer and heart disease in men who use it regularly.
How Are Receding Gums Treated?
The treatment for receding gums varies based on the cause of the problem. Removing plaque with a toothbrush and flossing may be enough if it’s due to plaque buildup or gum disease (periodontitis). Your dentist may also recommend using an electric toothbrush–these can be more effective at removing plaque than manual ones because they vibrate at high speeds when turned on.
Advanced periodontal disease can destroy the bone around your teeth, and antibiotics might be necessary for them to heal and grow back to normal after treatment has ended.
Can toothpaste repair receding gums?
The main ingredient in many toothpaste products is fluoride, which helps to strengthen teeth and prevent cavities. However, research has found that fluoride may also have a role to play in reducing gum recession. Other ingredients, such as abrasives and enzymes, are thought to help remove plaque from teeth and reduce inflammation caused by bacteria.
The physical removal of bacteria, which comes from proper brushing and flossing techniques, is what supports your gums, not toothpaste alone.
What are the Prevention Tips for Receding Gums?
Prevention is always better than cure, especially when it comes to your oral health. A few things can help to slow down the process:
- Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Ensure you brush gently along the gum line and not too hard.
- Floss daily to remove plaque from areas your toothbrush can’t reach.
- Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and checkups.
- Quit smoking – tobacco use is a major contributing factor to gum disease.
- Eat a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, which is essential for gum health.
Schedule an Appointment
Receding gums can cause tooth sensitivity and further damage your teeth. However, it’s important to know what causes this condition and how to prevent it from occurring again. Visit Agua Fria Dental for more information about receding gums.