Receding gums is a very common problem. While it was very common among adults till now, today even kids are developing the problem of receding gums. The condition is characterized by the gum tissues receding towards the root and exposing more of your teeth. Eventually, receding gums can cause complete erosion of the gum tissues and your teeth may be entirely exposed up to the roots. Without sufficient gum tissues supporting the teeth, there could be a number of different dental problems including loss of teeth.
Receding gums is both a consequence of several conditions and a condition itself that can cause several other ailments. Here are some of the causes of receding gums.
1. Bacterial infections in the gum are among the most common causes of receding gums. The most widespread of these infections is periodontal disease. This kind of gum disease not only helps in the erosion of the gum tissues but can also affect the bones in the mouth that offer the teeth support to be firm in its place.
2. Receding gums can be genetic. Many dental ailments are passed down to offspring through genes and studies show that people who have had gum diseases and receding gums are likely to have their children facing similar problems.
3. Brushing your teeth too aggressively or exerting too much force to an effect that the gum tissues get damaged is a very common cause of receding gums. The enamel of the teeth and the gum tissues can be impacted adversely with pressurized brushing or aggressive motions of the toothbrush. Using harsh toothpastes or products that contain toxins or abrasive materials can also lead to the same problem.
4. Poor dental hygiene can also cause receding gums. Not brushing enough or avoiding flossing, trying to cope with dental ailments without opting for treatment and all such unhealthy practices can contribute to receding gums if not cause it directly.
5. Hormonal fluctuations such as what happens during menopause, puberty and pregnancy can initiate the gum recession. However, these are not very common causes.
6. Chewing or smoking tobacco can cause receding gums. Clenching or grinding your teeth, exposing your gums to any toxic item or undesirable food items, improper teeth alignment, dental injury, improper dental treatments or surgery can also lead to receding gums.
One or more factors can cause receding gums and it is best to allow a dentist to diagnose the condition than trying to presume the precise cause or causes.
