Tooth Tips for Later Life

Receding Gums: 2 Possible Causes

When your dentist performs a routine dental check-up, as well as cleaning and inspecting your teeth, they will also check your gums. Your dentist will measure the depth of your gums to check for signs that they are receding. Bleeding gums which have a depth of between 3 to 5 mm are categorised as receding. If you have been diagnosed with receding gums, it is important that you take steps to halt the damage which is being caused. Below is a guide to 2 things which can accelerate the recession of your gums.

Poor Dental Care 

The leading cause of receding gums is gum disease. Gum disease occurs when bacteria infect the gum and attack the soft tissue. This can cause the tissue to begin to shrink back, exposing the teeth. If a bacterial infection is left untreated, it could eventually affect the bone beneath the soft tissue. In order to combat gum disease, your dentist may recommend that you improve your dental hygiene routine. Australian dentists recommend that you brush your teeth twice a day. You should also floss between your teeth and use mouthwash to wash away any plaque or debris. If you have advanced gum disease, your dentist may prescribe a course of antibiotics, which will help to kill the bad bacteria which are attacking your gums.

Improper Use of Your Toothbrush

Although your dentist recommends that you brush your teeth twice a day, this advice will only be useful if you are brushing your teeth in the right way. Receding gums can sometimes be a result of an incorrect brushing technique. If you use a hard-bristled toothbrush, you may be damaging the soft tissue of your gums every time you brush your teeth. You should instead switch to a medium- or soft-bristled toothbrush. You may also be damaging your gums by applying too much pressure to your teeth and gums when you brush your teeth. To combat this, you should focus more on the motion of the toothbrush head over your teeth, rather than the pressure you are applying. If you brush your teeth by moving the head of the toothbrush in a small circular motion, you will not need to apply very much pressure in order to clean your teeth.

If you suspect that you have receding gums and you would like further advice, you should contact your dentist today and book an appointment for a check-up.


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