Gum recession happens so gradually that you may not even know it’s happening until you notice a difference in the appearance or increased sensitivity of your teeth. Without treatment, receding gums can cause serious oral health issues.
At Union Square Dental in Manhattan, our skilled dental specialists provide safe and effective treatments for gum recession and associated periodontal disease. Let’s take a look at why your gums are receding, as well as what you can do to stop the damage.
Why are my gums disappearing?
Gum recession is a form of periodontal disease that causes your gums to pull back or wear away. A variety of factors can contribute to receding gums.
While it’s most common in adults over 65, gum recession can affect people of all ages. Your gums may be disappearing due to these factors.
Poor oral hygiene
Dental plaque that builds up on teeth hardens and forms tartar. Tartar irritates your gums and leads to periodontitis, also known as gum disease. Swollen, red, and/or bleeding gums are the first sign of gum disease.
Left untreated, gum disease can cause your gums to recede. When the gum tissue pulls back, it can create gaps or pockets between your gumline and teeth. These gaps expose the roots of your teeth and make it easy for even more bacteria to accumulate.
Aggressive brushing
While twice-daily brushing is important to avoid plaque buildup, how you’re brushing matters also. Extremely hard, aggressive brushing can wear away the enamel of your teeth and push back your gums.
You’re never too old to get a refresher course in how to properly clean your teeth. Our experts are happy to give you tips and tricks for brushing and flossing the right way during your next dental cleaning.
Tobacco use
Smoking and chewing tobacco increase your risk of periodontal disease and receding gums. Tobacco use decreases blood flow to your gums and teeth, making infection and damage more likely.
Other factors such as trauma or injury to the gum tissue, teeth grinding, or genetics can also lead to gum recession. No matter the cause, our team can help you avoid long-term oral health complications caused by receding gums.
Prevention and treatment
A thorough oral hygiene routine is an important step in preventing gum disease and gum recession. Brush and floss twice daily to remove bacteria and plaque to keep your gums healthy. A desensitizing toothpaste can help with discomfort associated with sensitive teeth.
Don’t forget to come in twice a year for dental cleanings, either. Plaque can build up in areas of your mouth that are hard to reach with a toothbrush. During your cleaning, we examine your teeth and gums for signs of any issues that need to be addressed.
Nonsurgical treatment options, such as scaling and root planing, laser treatment, or dental bonding, can be effective for mild cases of gum recession. In more severe circumstances, you may need gum graft surgery to restore the missing tissue.
If you’re ready to stop your gums from disappearing and improve your oral health, our team is here for you. Call or click to book an appointment at Union Square Dental in Flatiron, New York City, today.