If you have ever heard of or had receding gums, you would know how sore and daunting this can be. There are a few reasons that cause receding gums such as Infection or periodontal disease, over brushing, genetics, tooth positioning, poor oral health and grinding.
Infection such as gingivitis can cause the gums to appear darker in appearance ranging from red, blue and even a purple colour. Some patients report occasional bleeding when they brush and puffy and tender gums. The only way to diagnose this problem is with specialised measurements or your gums and dental x-rays. Over brushing is a very common reason why people develop receding gums. It’s a great thing to be excited about brushing but you should make sure you’re not doing it too hard. Always be gentle when brushing your teeth and make sure you always use a toothbrush labelled ‘soft’.’ Another reason could be genetics, it plays a big role in your body. If one or both of your parents have receding gums, you are at a much higher risk of developing it as well.
To prevent receding gums it’s important to assess your gum levels and health by having your teeth checked and clean every six months. The dentist will help you identify the cause and will instruct you how to best address it. You may have to re-evaluate your brushing/flossing habits and invest in a better toothbrush.
If your receding gums are at quite an advanced stage your dentist will work with a gum specialist to plan the best course of action for you. Depending on the cause of your gum recession, the specialist may suggest a gum graft or the specialist may also decide if you would benefit from a deep clean which involves cleaning deep underneath the gums and the roots of your teeth.
Your dentist will let you know how advanced your receding gums are when you come in for your appointment. It is important to take care of your oral hygiene to prevent problems such as receding gums from developing. Feel free to book an appointment with one of our friendly dentists to find out more information.