Gum Recession
Gum recession refers to the level of your gum around your teeth, when the position of your gum lowers on your tooth, exposing the root surface – this is Gum recession.
Dr Jack shares the most common causes of Gum Recession:
- Aggressive Brushing: It’s great to be enthusiastic about brushing, but you should make sure that you’re brushing gently, not scrubbing! Never use a hard toothbrush, brushing isn’t supposed to hurt.
- Misaligned Teeth: If your teeth are not in the correct alignment, gum recession can occur.
- Teeth Grinding: If you grind your teeth, this may gum recession and other problems. It may be easily treated, so talk to Dr Jack about teeth grinding treatment.
- Gum Tissue Trauma: If you receive trauma or injury to a tooth or gum your gum tissue may recede from around your teeth.
- Poor Dental Health: If you do not have healthy dental habits, gum recession may occur from a periodontitis condition.
- Natural Gum Recession: Over time your gums may shrink away naturally, despite all your good efforts, becoming ‘long in the tooth’ may come as you age.
- Hormonal: Gums are sensitive to hormone changes specially women who are pregnant or going through menopause.
- Smoking: Smoking causes damage to your lungs and to your dental health, increasing your risk of oral cancer. Frequent smokers have increased amounts of plaque which in turn may cause recession.
- Diabetes: If you have diabetes that is not managed well, this will affect your gum health and may lead to gum recession.
- Oral Piercing: If you have a tongue or lip piercing this can irritate your gum tissue and may cause it to wear away.
These are some of the most common causes of Gum Recession; however no matter what the cause of your gum recession, there is treatment available.
Preventing Gum Recession
It is much simpler and less expensive than a surgical gum treatment. Brushing regularly will help to reduce dental plaque and Gum Disease, and a key to preventing Gum Recession.
Dr Jack is available at Infinity Dental Care Winston Hills Dental Practice, Monday to Saturday at 180-192 Caroline Chisholm Drive Winston Hills NSW 2153. There are usually appointment times available each day to see new patients or dental emergencies. Give the front office team a call on (02) 9838 9111 to organise a time that suits you, contact us for more information or book an appointment with Dr Jack in Winston Hills.