A Quick Look at the Causes of Gum Recession
Created on July 15, 2015
Also known as gingival recession, gum recession occurs when the gums pull away from your teeth. This oral health problem can affect people of all ages but is quite common among the elderly. Treatment for gum recession will generally depend on the specific underlying cause. Therefore, a thorough assessment by our team at Taylor Street Dental is crucial.
Basically, receding gums can result from the following:
- Poor oral hygiene — Too much buildup of plaque due to inconsistency in your brushing and flossing habits can potentially lead to infection, which in turn will lead to jawbone erosion when left unattended.
- Overzealous brushing — Brushing too hard is as dangerous as not brushing at all. Too much pressure placed on the gums can gradually destroy the enamel (the tooth’s outermost protective layer) down to the gum line and irritate the gums.
- Tobacco use — Chewing tobacco can specifically irritate and erode the gingival lining of the gums and cause gum recession.
- Existing gum disease — This could be a result of diabetes, poor oral hygiene, or hormonal fluctuations.
Other possible causes include genetics, history of mouth trauma or injury, and ill-fitting dentures.
For more information on the different treatment approaches for gum recession, call Taylor Street Dental at 413-241-3264 today to schedule an appointment.
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