What’s causing my receding gums?

Receding gums is when the tissue surrounding your tooth pulls back or wears away. This exposes the tooth and possibly even the tooth’s root to bacterial and acid attacks. Because it’s such a gradual process, it is often overlooked by sufferers, but spotting warning signs early is important to prevent further receding.

It can be spotted by unnaturally long teeth or felt by a small ledge at the base of the tooth, where your gum should’ve been covering it. Once the gum has receded it never returns, which is why it’s important to catch it early, and learn the reasons for your specific case to combat it.

The reasons for receding gums

There are many reasons for gum disease. If you realise that you suffer from it, it is important to work out the cause to prevent further damage.

Aggressive brushing

Brushing your teeth hard with a hard-bristled brush might feel good and might make you feel like you are more thorough in your tooth cleaning routine, but the truth is it might just do more harm than good.

Brushing your teeth too roughly might instead brush away at your enamel, as well as pushing your gums upwards. Doubly bad is a hard brushing if it takes place after you’ve drank an acidic drink such as a juice or a coffee because it works to soften your enamel, making it more vulnerable to brushing damages.

If this is you, you might consider switching your toothbrush to a softer variety, or perhaps investing in an electric brush that prevents you from brushing too hard.

Periodontal disease

This gum disease is the most common culprit behind receding gums. Caused by bacteria that’s allowed to linger in the gums and on the teeth, it destroys both gum tissue and the bone holding your teeth in place. This is often caused by an insufficient tooth care routine, which allows bacteria and acid to settle on the teeth which leads to plaque build-up, inflammation and eventually receding gums. Left untreated it can lead to tooth loss. Brush, floss, and rinse with mouth wash. Some people are also more susceptible to gum disease through genetics, making it even more important to maintain a rigorous dental health routine.

Insufficient dental care

Keeping a healthy dental routine is vital to a happy mouth. Brushing, flossing and rinsing with mouthwash every day makes it harder for bacteria to settle and plaque to form. Plaque is the initial phase of tartar, which builds up between and on your teeth and if left untreated, leads to receding gums. It takes you as little as ten minutes a day to maintain a rigorous dental routine and sets you up for a healthy mouth for life. Dental health is a lifelong commitment that will save you money, pain and hassle, and ensures you a white smile,

Book your check-up online or call us on 0747290241 to speak to your friendly Townsville dentist to prevent receding gums.