Causes of Gum Recession
- Periodontal disease – a serious oral disease arising from poor oral habits
- Gingivitis – gum disease characterized by bleeding and swollen gums
- Aging
- Overly aggressive brushing and/or flossing – brushing hard in a scrubbing fashion will erode gum tissue at the roots of teeth
- Genetic predisposition to gingival recession – having inherited thin, insufficient gum tissue facilitates gum recession
- Bruxism – a condition where someone regularly grinds their teeth, usually during sleep
- Chewing tobacco/smoking – promotes chronically dry mouth and reduced gum health
Treatments for Gum Recession
Corrective actions need implemented as soon as possible to reverse gum recession by addressing the cause. For example, people who brush with hard-bristled toothbrushes should switch to a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush more gently. If gum recession is the result of poor oral hygiene, improve oral hygiene habits by brushing after meals, flossing, rinsing with non-alcoholic mouthwash, and getting dental checkups and cleanings every six months. For severe cases of gum recession, soft tissue grafts can add gum tissue to exposed roots by removing tissue from the person’s palate and attaching it to existing gums at the area of recession via laser surgery. If you’re worried about gum recession, visit our Renton, WA office and talk to a member of our team.Posted on behalf of