When gums pull away from the teeth, the consequences can be serious. Unfortunately, gum recession occurs slowly, making it easy to miss without professional help. At Lakeside Dental in Folsom, we help all our patients understand, avoid, and treat gum recession before it leads to pain, decay, and tooth loss.
What Causes Gums to Recede?
Gums recede for many reasons, but gum disease is the most common cause. Everyday habits and natural changes also play a role. Some of these harmful habits include:
- Inconsistent brushing and flossing
- Brushing too hard or using a firm toothbrush
- Lip or tongue piercings that rub against the gums
- Aging
On the last point, as we get older, some gum recession occurs naturally, but habits also play a significant part. Aggressive brushing, poor oral care, and piercings speed up the process of gum recession dramatically. So, be aware that your choices affect your oral health!
When Recession Makes Oral Care Uncomfortable
Regular gum pain and bleeding while brushing and flossing signal a problem. As gums pull away from teeth, the roots of the teeth are eventually uncovered. These exposed roots often lead to tooth sensitivity, especially when drinking or eating hot or cold things. Ignoring the problem, reducing brushing and flossing because of discomfort or bleeding gums, and delaying professional care because of dental anxiety allows the recession to progress, increasing the risk of tooth and bone loss over time.
How to Slow Gum Recession
The natural gum recession that comes with aging can be slowed down significantly with the right habits:
- Brush Gently — Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and aim the brush at a slight angle toward the gumline using small, gentle motions.
- Use Fluoride and Sensitivity Toothpaste — Fluoride strengthens exposed roots and helps protect them from decay. Toothpaste for sensitive teeth can also make brushing more comfortable, so you’re less tempted to avoid it.
- Floss Daily — Even if there is bleeding, gentle, daily flossing keeps plaque from building up and helps gums calm down and tighten back around the over time. Flossing is especially important for the rear molars that bump up to the back of the mouth and the jaw joint. This last gap needs standard floss to be cleaned well and is a common source of gum recession.
- Watch Your Diet — Limit sticky, sugary, and acidic foods and drinks. These cling to exposed roots and tooth surfaces, weakening them. Rinse with water after consuming acidic foods and drinks, then wait 30 minutes before brushing.
- Keep Regular Dental Visits — Dentists catch early gum changes long before they become serious. Regularly clearing out the plaque and tartar that irritates the gums gives the tissues the chance to heal.
Following these recommended habits can prevent concerns over early gum recession, but what if your condition is more advanced, with significant pockets are the teeth and exposed roots? Then professional treatment is needed. In a future blog article we will discuss the treatment options for gum recession and why they are important. In the meantime, make sure you have scheduled your semi-annual visit to Lakeside Dental in Folsom for an exam and dental cleaning.
