When your mouth is healthy, your tooth enamel is the only part of your tooth that is exposed. When your gums begin to recede, the gum tissue gradually wears away and the dentin begins to show, causing sensitive teeth. Other signs include your teeth appearing longer or noticing a bump on the tooth where the enamel stops and the dentin begins.
What causes receding gums?
Gum disease is the main cause of this issue. Gum disease is an infection that weakens your gum tissue and the bone the surround your teeth. Another issue that can lead to gum recession is from not properly cleaning your teeth and gums. Brushing too aggressively can actually wear down your tooth enamel and gum tissue. If you do not brush on a regular basis, plaque and tartar can build up. This build-up can lead to gum disease, which is the main cause of gum recession.
Other issues that can lead to gum recession include:
Lip, cheek or tongue piercings
Hormonal changes
Bruxism
Tobacco use
Genetic predisposition
There is good news, though; gum recession is treatable! If you struggle with minor or mild recession, your dentist will likely recommend a “deep cleaning.” These special kinds of cleaning get under the gumline and can remove the tartar and plaque. For more advanced stages, a gum specialist, called a periodontist, can treat gum recession that has become more severe.
To help keep your gums healthy, proper dental hygiene and routine trips to the dentist are the best ways to limit your chances of gum recession. If you are concerned about the health of your gums or notice any of the signs of recession, schedule your appointment with Dr. Levine.