What Causes RECEDING GUMS | How to Reverse RECEDING GUMS Naturally

10 Easy Ways to Heal Receding Gums Naturally

What Causes RECEDING GUMS | How to Reverse RECEDING GUMS Naturally

Gum recession is the medical term describing when the margin of gum tissue surrounding the tooth pulls back, exposing more of the tooth, or its root. Receding gums can produce noticeable gaps, making it easy for disease-causing bacteria to build up.

If left untreated, the supporting tissue and bone structures of the teeth can be severely damaged, and may ultimately result in tooth loss.

Receding gums is a common dental problem because of its subtle onset. In fact, most people don’t know they have gum recession because it occurs so gradually. Generally, the first sign of gum recession is usually tooth sensitivity. Alternatively, one may notice a tooth appears longer than surrounding teeth. A little bump or ‘notch’ may be felt near the gum line.

The first sign of receding gums may be teeth feeling more sensitive than before, and teeth looking longer.

A dentist will look for signs of receding gums and may make recommendations for treatment or extra oral health hygiene measures to help stop the recession.

The English  NHS says most adults have some degree of gum disease and this can lead to receding gums over time

Effects

Many people with receding gums have no concern about them early on. Many others are unaware that they have recession.

For some, though, the concern may be about:

• Appearance

• Fear of tooth loss

• Sensitivity due to exposed tooth roots

Assessing concerns about the way gums look may include checking how much of the gums are on show.

For some people, the gums show when talking and smiling. Others have a different lip line that does not expose the gums to view.

Why Do Gums Recede?

There are many explanations as to why gums may start to recede; these include:

Genetic predisposition: Genetics account for many of the health conditions to which human beings are suspect – and dental health is no different. Studies show that more than 30 percent of the population is at risk for gum disease strictly because of their genetic makeup.

Harsh tooth brushing: Brushing your teeth too hard may cause the enamel of your teeth to wear away, leading to receding gums.

Inadequate dental care: Irregular brushing, flossing, and rinsing, in essence, invite bacteria to reside in your mouth. Accumulation of bacteria leads to tartar – a hardened substance that can only be removed via teeth cleaning.

Hormonal transitions: Fluctuations in female hormone levels throughout a woman’s lifetime, including menopause, pregnancy, and puberty, may cause the gums to become more sensitive; which then may lead to gum recession.

Periodontal diseases: Bacterial gum infections destroy gum tissue and the bone that surrounds the tissue. Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is the leading cause of gum recession.

Natural gum recession: Gums may shrink naturally over time despite good oral hygiene measures. The phrase 'long in the tooth' to describe being older came from gum recession, although originally this was about horses

Other factors include

• Hard toothbrush: Having bristles that are too firm can damage the gums.

• Tooth grinding: This and clenching teeth, often due to stress, can put extra pressure on the gums.

• Misaligned bite: Teeth not aligning properly can cause too much pressure on gums leading to recession.

• Smoking and tobacco products: This habit damages oral health as well as the lungs. Habitual users have increased amounts of tooth plaque which can cause recession.

• Diabetes: Having diabetes that is not well managed affects gum health.

• Oral piercing: Lip or tongue piercings can irritate and wear away gum tissue.