Gum recession can give you an aging appearance and make you feel self-conscious about your smile. The top causes of receding gums can be mystifying. However, at Lovett Dental Meyerland Plaza, we know how to take steps to help you keep your teeth and gums in tip-top shape. It’s time to take to get your oral health back with periodontal treatment.
At Lovett Dental Meyerland Plaza, we’re committed to helping you maintain the best possible dental health. We address gum disease and a range of other conditions to ensure that you can keep your mouth in the best possible condition. One of the treatment options we offer is gum recession treatment. To learn about your treatment options at our Houston, Texas area dentist’s office, contact the experts at Lovett Dental Meyerland Plaza today at 281-974-3434 or using our online form.
Causes of Receding Gums
Receding gums occur when a person’s gums wear away or become pushed back, exposing the roots of the teeth and exposing the pink tissue beneath. While many people may not feel that this condition is a cause for concern, it can be a major health concern. When the teeth roots have been exposed, it puts the teeth at risk for conditions such as:
- Decay
- Loss
- Infection
- Jaw bone loss
Unfortunately, gum disease can be caused by a range of conditions. If you suspect that you have one of the causes listed below, it’s time to reach out to your dentist.
1. Periodontal Disease
One of the most common causes of receding gums is periodontal disease, which is an advanced form of gingivitis or gum disease. Bacteria are present in the mouth at all times, but healthy oral care habits keep harmful bacteria at a minimum. When those bacteria grow unchecked between the teeth and underneath the gums, this can result in an infection known as gingivitis. Gingivitis can cause the gums to become painful, red, and swollen. They may bleed when you brush your teeth.
If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontal disease. This condition occurs when the bacteria surpass the gums and make their way into underlying bone tissue. Bone begins to degrade as the infection grows, and teeth can become loose when they no longer have enough bone to anchor them.
2. Aggressive Brushing Habits
Contrary to popular belief, your teeth don’t get any cleaner the harder you brush. Brushing your teeth too aggressively can be one of the major causes of receding gums. Remember that your gums should never bleed when you brush them; if they do, it’s a sign of potential infection. When you’re brushing your teeth, make sure to do it slowly and gently to ensure that you’re getting all of the bacteria without hurting your gums.
3. Hormonal Changes
Changes in hormone levels can also result in the start of gum recession, especially in older women. This problem is due to the fact that hormonal imbalances cause your gums to be more sensitive to the plaque, tartar, and bacteria that result in gum disease.
4. Tartar Buildup
Tartar is a hardened plaque that builds up between the teeth and underneath the gum line between dental cleanings. Most of the time, you can remove plaque with proper brushing and flossing habits. However, once it hardens into tartar, it sticks to the teeth and cannot be removed without your dental hygienist’s specialized tools. When plaque builds up underneath the gum line, it pushes the gums upward, giving the appearance of recession.
5. Smoking
Smoking cigarettes creates extra plaque on your teeth’ surface, which hardens and turns into tartar, as explained above. Because smoking reduces saliva production and dries out the oral mucosa, plaque becomes stickier and thickens more easily when patients are cigarette smokers.
6. Health Conditions
Certain health conditions like diabetes and HIV are related to the development of receding gums. Again, this is because these individuals are at a higher risk of developing periodontitis. The immune system of diabetic and other immunocompromised individuals is less effective at keeping harmful bacteria in the mouth from infecting the pockets underneath the gum line. Many people with HIV, diabetes, and other health conditions struggle with chronic gingival infections.
Are Your Gums Starting to Recede? Call Lovett Dental Meyerland Plaza
If you’re experiencing mild to severe gum recession, it’s crucial to reach out to a dental professional. Gum recession is more than a cosmetic concern, and if an underlying condition is causing it, you may need proper treatment. Contact Lovett Dental Meyerland Plaza to schedule your appointment today to learn more about our services. We offer a full range of treatment options, including:
Let us help you keep your mouth in the best shape possible. To learn about your treatment options at our Houston area dentist’s office, contact us by calling 281-974-3434 today.
