Receding gums can cause many issues that range from cosmetic to functional, and they should be taken care of as soon as possible. However, many people do not know what causes this issue. Dr. Kevin Boulard can help educate you about receding gums, the causes, and how to fix them. Schedule a consultation with Something To Smile About in Merrimack, NH today.
What are receding gums?
Gum recession occurs when the area of gums that surrounds your teeth begins to wear away or pull back. This leads to more of your tooth and tooth root being exposed. Gaps can also form between your teeth and gums, making it easy for bacteria to build up and cause infection. When left untreated, gum recession can lead to bone and tissue damage or even tooth loss.
What causes receding gums?
One of the major causes of gum recession is periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is characterized by inflammation in the gums that can impact oral and dental health. This disease progresses in three stages:
-
Stage one: The first stage is called gingivitis, and the disease is treatable at this stage. It is caused by a buildup of plaque under your gumline.
-
Stage two: If left untreated, gingivitis turns into periodontitis. Periodontitis starts to impact the overall health of your bone, teeth, and gums. This stage is where you may begin to see receding gums.
-
Stage three: Advanced periodontitis is the third and final stage of periodontal disease. You may begin to see your teeth loosen or even fall out at this stage.
There are multiple treatment options to help treat periodontal disease and work to lessen the appearance and risks of having receding gums. While periodontal disease is the most common reason for receding gums, it is far from the only reason. Other reasons include:
-
Genetics: Studies show that you can be predisposed to gum disease no matter how well you care for your teeth.
-
Improper tooth brushing: If you brush your teeth too hard or aggressively, you can wear down the enamel and cause your gums to recede.
-
Poor oral hygiene: if you are not properly cleaning your teeth, you can speed up the process of plaque turning into tartar.
-
Using tobacco products: Tobacco can cause sticky plaque, which is much harder to remove.
What should I know about receding gums?
Gum recession is gradual, and you may not notice it is happening at first. If you begin to notice signs like tooth sensitivity or your teeth looking longer than normal, you may want to speak to a periodontal professional like Dr. Boulard. Another thing you may notice with gum recession is a notch you can feel near your gumline.
Get treatment for receding gums in Merrimack, NH
There are many possible reasons you may be experiencing gum recession. The most common cause is periodontal disease, but other factors include genetics, oral hygiene, and even how you brush your teeth. It can be a treatable condition, so there is no reason to live with gum recession when Dr. Kevin Boulard can help. Contact Something To Smile About in Merrimack, NH today for a full consultation on the overall state of your oral and dental health.