Winston Hills Shopping Centre 20A/180-192 Caroline Chisholm Drive, Winston Hills NSW

Winston Hills Shopping Centre 20A/180-192 Caroline Chisholm Drive, Winston Hills NSW

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Receding Gums

by | Oct 24, 2017 | | News and Information | 0 comments

It can be scary and painful to have receding gums, but you don’t need to worry. There are several steps you can take at home that may serve as effective treatment for receding gums, depending on the severity of the problem. The first step for addressing an oral health matter is to consult your dentist to find out whether your oral health requires further measures.

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.

Receding Gums