What Causes a Receding Gum Line

A receding gum line is a serious issue that can cause tooth loss if left untreated. In this blog post, we will discuss the causes of a receding gum line and what you can do to prevent it from happening.

Genetics

The thickness of your gum tissues is a genetic trait you inherit from your parents. People born with thinner gums tend to be more susceptible to recession through toothbrush abrasion, wear, or injury. If you have thinner tissues, you’ll need to be diligent about oral hygiene and dental visits, and pay close attention to your gum health.

Some people are born with thicker gum tissues, which offer more protection against recession. However, even people with thicker gum tissues can develop recession due to periodontal disease, misaligned teeth, or other factors.

If you’re concerned about gum recession, talk to your dentist about ways to prevent or reduce the problem. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the problem.

Brushing Too Hard

Brushing too hard can lead to a variety of problems, ranging from gum disease to tooth loss. The enamel on your teeth is actually quite thin, and brushing too aggressively can damage it. This can cause your teeth to become sensitive and more susceptible to decay.

Excessive brushing can wear down your gum tissue, making it more likely to recede. And once your gums start to recede, you're at a higher risk for developing gum disease.

So while it's important to brush regularly, it's just as important to be gentle. Use a soft-bristled brush and light pressure, and be sure to focus on all sides of your teeth. With a little care, you can keep your smile healthy and avoid damaging your teeth and gums.

Tooth Eruption

Teeth are designed to erupt from the center of a bony housing that protects the root. However, if a tooth erupts or moves outside of this housing, it can become exposed and susceptible to gum recession.

To prevent further damage, the tooth can be orthodontically moved back into its proper position. This will help to thicken gum tissue and make it more resistant to recession. By Orthodontically correcting teeth that have shifted out of place, you can help to protect them from further damage and keep your smile healthy and beautiful.

Gum Disease

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a bacterial infection that results in the inflammation and eventual destruction of the gums and bone surrounding the teeth.

Gum recession is one of the most common symptoms of gum disease, and it occurs when the gum tissue begins to pull away from the tooth. This can lead to tooth sensitivity, increased risk of cavities, and eventually tooth loss.

Gum disease is preventable with good oral hygiene, including regular brushing and flossing, and routine dental checkups. If you are concerned about gum disease, be sure to discuss your concerns with your dentist.

Misaligned Teeth

Good dental alignment is important for more than just aesthetic reasons. When teeth are properly aligned, the biting surfaces make contact evenly, which helps to distribute the forces of mastication across all of the teeth.

When teeth are misaligned, the chewing force can be concentrated on a small area, resulting in excessive stress on the gum tissue. This can cause the gums to recede, exposing the roots of the teeth and making them more susceptible to decay.

Misaligned teeth can also make it difficult to floss properly, leading to an increased risk of gum disease. As a result, it is important to seek treatment for misaligned teeth to protect your oral health.

Williams, Daily & Frazier Dental

At Williams, Daily & Frazier Dental in Raleigh, NC, we are proud to be the highest-rated dentist on Google. Our experienced and skilled team is dedicated to providing the best possible care for our patients. We offer a wide range of services to help you with your oral health needs, including treatment for receding gumlines. Our free consultation will help us to assess your individual needs and create a customized treatment plan that is right for you. 

We look forward to meeting you and helping you to achieve optimal oral health.