Gingival recession or more commonly known as receding gums is when the gum line surrounding a tooth falls below its normal position. The teeth will appear longer because the lower part towards the root is exposed. It is often unsightly if the case is severe because it would seem that the teeth will begin to fall at anytime. Receding gum tissue is often cause by many different factors but only point to one overall reason which is the depreciation of a person’s health.
What are the causes of gum recession? One of the main reasons for gum recession is teeth overcrowding which when teeth is overlapping with each other, the gums are pressured and recede. This condition is sometimes genetic and is commonly observed among family members. Another reason for receding gums is aging. However, receding gums can hit everyone if oral health is neglected.
If there is a lack of proper brushing, there is also such a thing as over brushing. Fragile gum tissue is scratched and lost when the gums are brushed too aggressively with the teeth. The choice of toothbrush together with brushing technique may be the simplest cause of receding gums. If you have determined these as the causes to your gum problem, then improving receding gums would start by doing the opposite and buying a gentle toothbrush.
On the other hand, insufficient brushing may also cause gum recession. It is important to brush your teeth regularly because after a meal, bacteria will start to build up around the gum line. Bacterial enzymes mix with mouth enzymes and saliva which is hard on the gums. Some bacteria infect the gums, showing the first symptoms of gum disease, such as redness and inflammation. When left untreated a gum disease may develop into an infection that literally destroys the bone that holds the teeth roots in position. Forced vomiting done by people with eating disorders also strains the gums.
When you have determined what the main causes of a gum recession problem are, then you should deal with it first and foremost. Visit a dentist to confirm how bad your problem currently is and ask what steps you should take to stop it from worsening. An improved and regular oral hygiene is possible even without over-brushing. Gum problems may just be cured altogether when dental prophylaxis is done on a regular basis. However, in worse cases, there are advanced techniques like soft-tissue grafting, which involve surgery.