What Are the Main Reasons for Receding Gums?

Receding gums are not attractive. They alter the gum line, expose more of the tooth, and cause your teeth to look elongated. Besides gum recession being an eyesore, dental aesthetics is the least of your worries. Your overall oral health is more of a concern since the more of the root is exposed, you are setting yourself up for other dental complications such as infections and eventually tooth and bone loss.

That’s why we insist that people come in for dental exams and cleanings in Rocklin, CA, to help clean the teeth and deal with the early signs of gum recession. Our dentist in Rocklin, CA, is adept at dealing with issues that might affect your dental health.

So, how do you know that you have receding gums?

Signs Indicating That Your Gums are Receding

Gum recession happens at a slow and steady pace. This might be one of the main reasons people don’t realize early enough that their gums are receding.

Some signs might indicate that you have gum issues or gum recession. One of the glaring signs you might notice is that your gums have pulled back from your teeth, leaving more of the root exposed. In other words, your teeth may look longer than usual. The next thing you will experience is increased tooth sensitivity because the roots are exposed.

Even though you might notice these signs, it’s not always as easy as it may seem to know that your gums are receding. So, your best bet is to visit our dentist near you for regular dental exams and cleanings in Rocklin, CA, who can identify the issue and treat it.

What Causes Receding Gums?

Your gums can recede because of several reasons, including:

• Periodontal Disease

By far, this is the main cause of gum recession. It is the most severe form of gum disease caused by bacterial infection along the gumline that gradually destroys the gum tissue and the underlying bone that holds your teeth in place.

• Your Genes

Some people are more susceptible to the disease than others, mainly because of their genes. Sadly, 30% of the population are genetically predisposed to gum disease, irrespective of the state of their oral hygiene.

• Insufficient Dental Care

If you don’t care for your teeth as you should, by brushing, flossing, and using antibacterial mouth rinses, plaque can deposit on the gum line, which can eventually harden and turn to calculus. Calculus is a hard brownish substance that can only be removed by our dentist in Rocklin, CA.

• Aggressive Tooth Brushing

On the other hand, you can be overzealous in your endeavor to keep your teeth bacteria-free. But, in your efforts, you could harm your teeth and cause the enamel to wear away, leading to gum recession.

• Smoking Tobacco

As you already know, tobacco is not your friend. If you smoke, there is a high probability that plaque can accumulate on your teeth. This can lead to gum recession.

• Grinding and Clenching Your Teeth

If you have a habit of grinding and clenching your teeth, you might exert too much pressure on your gums that can cause them to recede.

This is also the case if you have a misaligned bite or crooked teeth. When your teeth come together, too much force is placed on the gums, which can cause them to recede.

Can Receding Gums Grow Back?

Sadly, when your gums recede, they cannot grow back on their own. But, there is a silver lining. Our dentist near you can use any treatment options available to help cover the exposed tooth root.

These treatments can also stop gum recession, restore the gum line, improve dental aesthetics, and enhance oral health. Some of the treatments available are:

• Scaling and root planing
• Gum surgery
• Gum grafts

How Can You Prevent Gum Recession?

One of the best things to do for your oral health is keeping gum recession at bay. This means that you need to brush, floss and use antibacterial rinses to clean your teeth each day. Remember to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush your teeth with the correct technique. Also, you need to visit our dentist no less than two times each year.

You can reach out to us at Little Fish Dental if you need more information.