Causes of Gum Recession

Taking good care of your teeth is essential for lasting dental health, but the same is true with your gums. If you don’t take good care of your gums, there can be major dental problems that you’ll have to deal with later down the road. The team at our Boston cosmetic dentistry office would like to briefly cover the basic causes of gum recession and what you can do to prevent it from occurring.

Gum recession refers to the condition in which the gums gradually pull away around the teeth, exposing the some of the root structure of the tooth. In early stages of gum recession, this may mean increased tooth sensitivity. If the gum recession is not reversed or dealt with, it may become possible that tooth decay can affect the parts of a tooth under the gumline. Tooth pain, tooth loss, and other problems may happen.

One of the most common causes of gum recession is gum disease. Gingivitis and periodontitis can both cause your gums to recede among other things. In egenral, gum disease will cause gums to recede, gums to bleed, and gums to become swollen or discolored. Periodontitis is a more advanced stage of gum disease. You can avoid developing gum disease by brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing regularly.

Another major cause of receding gums can actually involve regular dental hygiene. If you brush your teeth too vigorously, it can harm the gums and lead to some amount of gum recession. To prevent this from happening, it is important that you brush your teeth gently and use a soft-bristled toothbrush. This will allow you to brush thoroughly without damaging the gums.

If gum recession progresses too far to be prevented, there are plenty of options to consider. Soft tissue grafting can help rebuild the gumline and cover exposed root structure. If you have lost a tooth due to gum recession, you can get Boston dental implants to help anchor an artificial tooth in place.

To learn more about your options for dental care treatments, be sure to contact our Boston cosmetic dentistry practice today. We look forward to discussing these sorts of matters with you in greater detail.