People of all ages are encouraged to see their dentist every six months. This isn’t only so we can examine and clean the teeth. The timing of dental visits is strategically planned to narrow the window during which inflammation and infection may occur. This includes inflammation and disease in the gums. Gum recession is a significant clue that alerts your dentist that specific attention is needed.
The Trick with Gum Recession
Receding gums are a problem, but they are nothing to fear. With prompt care, it is possible to reverse early damage and protect your oral health going forward. There is a bit of trickiness to gum recession, though, and it may fool you into believing your gums are in good health. The soft tissue around teeth doesn’t suddenly retreat away from enamel. Recession occurs over time; usually over years of time. In fact, before you ever see the signs of this problem, you may feel the effects of change. If your gums sometimes feel sore or your teeth feel sensitive, it could be because your teeth are more exposed due to weakness in the gums. This is an excellent time to visit our NYC office for appropriate gum treatment. Our priority is to keep you comfortable throughout your exam, cleaning, and restorative procedure.
What Causes Gum Recession – You Might be Surprised!
There are several reasons why gum tissue may recede. The common assumption is that gum recession is a sign of gingivitis or gum disease. It may be, but there are other causes – and some may surprise you:
- Misaligned teeth. When teeth are crowded or overlapping, the tight fit of the gums against teeth may be diminished.
- The hormone surges in pregnancy cause muscles, tendons, and soft tissue to loosen. This can include the gums, which may weaken and draw away from teeth.
- Clenching and grinding. Research suggests that there is a strong correlation between clenching and grinding teeth and gum recession. This relates to the excessive force exerted on the gums and jawbone.
- Brushing technique. Brushing with a hard-bristled toothbrush or placing too much pressure on the toothbrush while brushing can injure the gums. Abrasions in soft tissue invite bacteria and also cause weakness that leads to recession.
Gum Health Takes a Team Effort
If you are experiencing any signs of gum recession, or you haven’t seen the dentist in more than six months, give us a call. In our New York City sedation dentistry office, care centers around your comfort.
