Since your gums keep your teeth firmly in place, the best holistic periodontist in Jupiter confirms that receding gums can cause serious oral health issues. Gum recession creates gaps or pockets between teeth and gums, creating suitable hiding places for disease-causing bacteria. If you want to prevent gum recession, knowing this condition’s underlying causes is your first step.
Why Do Gums Shrink Back?
Poor Oral Hygiene
Without regular brushing and flossing, plaque will build up on your teeth, turns into tartar, and becomes more difficult to eliminate. Over time, tartar works its way under your gum tissue, causing them to pull back from your teeth and giving plaque and harmful bacteria more space to grow.
Aggressive Brushing
While a dirty skillet requires vigorous scrubbing, the same doesn’t hold true for teeth. Besides causing considerable damage to your tooth enamel, aggressive brushing wears away your gum tissue. Moreover, exposed root areas invite bacteria to cause pain as they penetrate under the gums. For these reasons, you’ll want to avoid overzealous brushing. Use soft and gentle massaging pressure as you sweep your soft-bristled toothbrush back and forth over teeth and gums to remove plaque and avoid gum recession.
Smoking
Smoking weakens your body’s immune system. Since this habit weakens your resistance to illness, fighting infections like gum disease becomes more challenging. When gums shrink back, smoking worsens the situation because it decreases oxygen in the bloodstream. Consequently, it slows down the healing process in your gums.
Bruxism
Bruxism or teeth grinding during sleep can lead to gum recession. The continuous force causes gum irritation until the tissues begin to pull away from your teeth. If left untreated, bruxism can cause gum disease and tooth and bone loss. If you suspect you have bruxism, ask your dental health provider about treatment options.
Gum Disease
Did you know that gum disease is the leading cause of gum recession? Gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease, leads to red, swollen, and tender gums that may bleed. Without treatment, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, which involves bacterial buildup, infection, and gum recession. If you think you might have gum disease, it’s best to book an appointment with a periodontist.
Looking for a Holistic Periodontist in Jupiter?
At Prestige Periodontal & Implant Center, we’re here to help you steer clear of gum recession and improve your chances of saving them from further damage. Contact us today to make an appointment.
