If your gums have started to recede, the gum tissue around your teeth has started to pull back. This shows more of the tooth, sometimes exposing the root. Gum recession often leads to gaps between the tooth and gum, and bacteria often collects in this gap. Without treatment from a reputable dentist such as those at Lovett Dental Katy, you can experience both tooth loss and tissue damage. Avoid losing your teeth by making an appointment with us today and keep reading to learn about the causes of receding gums.
Receding Gums Symptoms
If you have gum recession, you will start to notice the following symptoms:
- Long teeth – Due to gum erosion, your teeth start to appear longer than normal.
- Exposed roots – Exposed roots are sensitive to hot and cold temperatures. This is a sign of aggressive brushing or periodontal disease.
- Loose teeth – Those with gum recession often have loose teeth due to periodontal disease or bacteria living under the gums.
Causes of Receding Gums
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is one of the leading causes of receding gums. If you have periodontal disease, your gums have become infected by bacteria. Over time, these bacteria destroy the bone and gum tissue that support your teeth. Symptoms often go unnoticed until they become painful. However, a dentist can catch the early warning signs of gum disease, which is why it’s important to visit your dentist regularly in addition to taking care of your teeth by brushing and flossing.
Have you experienced the following symptoms of gum disease?
- Red or purple gums
- Tenderness
- Bleeding gums
- Constant bad breath
If you’ve experienced any of these symptoms, contact your dentist today to make an appointment.
Family History
Genetics play a role in periodontal disease. Research links gum disease to family history, even if you practice good dental hygiene. If your family members have issues with gum disease, it’s important to stay on top of your oral health.
Aggressive Brushing
This is one of the main causes of receding gums. If you brush your teeth too hard, it may cause or aggravate the symptoms of periodontal disease.
Lack of Dental Care
Visit the dentist for regular checkups, teeth cleaning, and preventive care. Don’t forget to start annual pediatric dentistry appointments for the kids once their teeth start to come in. Our gentle hygienists remove plaque buildup between your teeth and along the gum line.
Hormone Levels in Women
It may surprise you that spikes in hormone levels at menopause, pregnancy, and puberty can increase gum sensitivity, increasing your chances of gum recession.
Other Causes of Receding Gums
Tobacco products often generate sticky plaque that leads to receding gums. If you clench or grind your teeth, your gums may pull back. Additionally, misaligned teeth place extra pressure on surrounding tissues, often leading to recession.
Receding Gums Treatment
At Lovett Dental Katy, we treat mild gum recession with a deep cleaning. During your appointment, a dental professional removes plaque and tartar and smooths the surface of the root to make it difficult for bacteria to stick to it. We may use antibiotics to kill the rest of the bacteria. For more advanced gum recession, we may recommend gum surgery.
Dental Care in Katy, TX
If you live in Katy or the surrounding area, make an appointment with our dental team for an initial checkup. Feel free to ask us any questions about the causes of receding gums or any other dental health matter. With several forms of specialty care — pediatric, orthodontist, periodontist, maxillofacial surgeon, and endodontist — we can provide comprehensive dental care for the whole family. Contact us at 832-437-6477 today for assistance or directions to our office.
