Gums on the Run: Why They Might Be Receding

You may have dealt with swollen or sensitive gums in the past. To ensure they stay healthy, you might have stuck to your dental routine closely or visited your dentist for advice. But what if you notice that your gums are starting to recede? It can be a little surprising and throw you for a loop, but here are a few reasons why it happens and how your dentist can help.

Why Are Receding Gums Bad News?

When your gums are in trouble, you may be aware of the common symptoms like swelling, bleeding, or sensitivity, but they can sometimes start to recede. That means that your gum tissue has begun to pull away from your teeth.

This isn’t the best for your oral health because the roots can become exposed. Your teeth have enamel to protect them, and the roots have a weaker substance covering them called cementum. Bacteria can erode cementum at a faster pace than your tooth enamel, which can leave you at a higher risk of sensitivity and cavities.

Why Are My Gums Receding?

There are a few reasons that can cause or worsen gum recession. Some causes are:

• Poor Oral Health: If plaque has the chance to build up on your gums and teeth, it can cause inflammation. This can lead to your gums pulling back and periodontal disease.
• Brushing or Flossing Aggressively: If you brush or floss too roughly can irritate your gums and cause them to recede.
• Bruxism: Also known as teeth grinding or clenching, the pressure from this habit can cause your gum tissue to retreat.
• Smoking: Tobacco in cigarettes is shown to be a contributing factor to gum recession based on recent research.

How Is Gum Recession Treated?

While gums can’t grow back on their own, your dentist can give you treatments to prevent further damage. One of the most common treatments is scaling and root planing. This procedure removes plaque beneath the gumline and smooths the roots of your teeth, allowing the tissue to reattach more easily.

For non-bacterial related causes, your dentist may offer a nightguard to protect your teeth from grinding or provide advice on how to brush your teeth more gently.

Although you may not know why your gums are receding, taking the time to learn is the first step in preserving your oral health. Next, you’ll need the help of your dentist to identify the cause and take the necessary steps to protect your smile! Your gums will be happy you heard their call for help.

About the Practice

At Weldon Dental of Rome, you benefit from a dynamic husband-and-wife duo. Drs. Ryan and Leigh Weldon use state-of-the-art technology to make your dental care as comfortable as possible. We understand the importance of gum health, so we do what we can to ensure it stays great, either by preventing gum disease or offering scaling and root planing. If you are experiencing gum recession, schedule an appointment or call us at (706) 232-2082.