Do your teeth feel sensitive to hot or cold food and drinks? Do your teeth appear a bit longer than they used to or seem to have gaps between them near the gum line that weren’t there before? Are your gums inflamed, red or sore? You may be experiencing gum recession.
Gum recession is what happens when the gum tissue surrounding the teeth begins to wear away and pull back from its normal position. Over time this exposes more of the tooth than usual and if the recession continues you may find that the root of the tooth also becomes exposed. The root of the tooth is usually protected by the gums so when it becomes exposed to food, air and brushing it can feel particularly sensitive and may cause sharp pain.
Some causes of gum recession include:
Periodontal disease
Gum disease is the major cause of gum recession and is caused by bacterial infections. If left untreated, gum disease can damage the tissues surrounding the teeth as well as the supporting bone that maintains the position of your teeth. Gingivitis and periodontitis are the two types of gum diseases that can lead to gum recession. Gingivitis is a precursor to periodontitis and primarily results from improper oral hygiene. Not brushing and flossing regularly allows plaque to build up and if it is left on the teeth it eventually becomes tartar. Tartar is a hard deposit that forms on the teeth, and both tartar and plaque produce toxins that cause the gums to become irritated and infected with gingivitis. If this condition is left unchecked it may change from gingivitis to periodontitis, a more serious gum infection that can damage the gums, teeth, bones and tissues of the mouth, and can lead to the need to have teeth removed. Ouch! Make sure to get regular dental check ups to ensure early stages of gum disease can be treated before it becomes something more serious. Our team here at Tindale Dental Centre are here to help!
Over brushing
While it’s good to be thorough, it is definitely possible to go too hard when brushing your teeth. Aggressive brushing or improper technique can wear away the tooth enamel and cause your gums to recede. A member of our experienced team here in Penrith will be able to assess your gums and let you know if you might be brushing a little too hard. They will also be able to recommend a tooth brush and brushing technique that will help preserve your gums and prevent further recession.
Genetics
As the saying goes, ‘you can choose your friends but you can’t choose your family’. Genetics have a role to play when it comes to gum recession and some people are genetically more susceptible to gum disease. But this doesn’t mean you can’t do anything about it! Being aware of the importance of good oral hygiene, healthy diet and lifestyle, and the need for regular dental check ups will go a long way to help preserve the health of your gums.
Our professional team are always here to help and if you are concerned about gum recession, or aren’t really sure if it may be happening to you, why not give us a call and make an appointment today for a check up. Call us today on (02) 4726 5400