Can You Prevent Gum Recession?

January 9, 2020

Gum recession is an uncomfortable condition in which the gum tissue actually begins to pull away from the teeth. You may notice that your teeth look longer, or notice discolored areas between your gumline and your teeth. Receding gums can cause tooth sensitivity, loose teeth, and can affect the appearance of your smile.

You can prevent gum recession, but first, you need to know what causes it in order to prevent it. Think about it—you can’t prevent your house from getting dirty if you don’t know where the dirt is coming from! Here’s how you can prevent gum recession.

Focus on Preventing Gum Disease

Gum recession is commonly a result of gum disease [1]. When bacteria and plaque aren’t properly and consistently removed from around the gumline, they can build up and begin to irritate the gum tissue. This can result in the gum tissue receding from the teeth.

Gum disease can be influenced by many factors, among them crooked teeth and poor oral health. Some people are also more likely to get gum disease based on genetics. If you focus on preventing gum disease with proper oral care, a nutritious diet, and regular dental visits, it’ll go a long way towards preventing gum recession!

Be Careful Not to Brush Too Hard

Brushing your teeth is necessary to protect your pearly whites, but aggressive brushing can damage them. Forceful brushing is not only unnecessary, but can have negative effects on the softer tissues of your mouth, such as your gums [2].

If you brush your teeth with a firm-bristled toothbrush, you may be causing unnecessary irritation to your gum tissue. The quality of your brushing matters more than how forcefully you brush, so be gentle and next time you need a new toothbrush, look for a soft-bristled one to protect your gum tissue!

Get a Checkup to See If You Grind Your Teeth

Teeth grinding can be harmful to your teeth as well as your gums. If you already have gum inflammation or recession, teeth grinding can make your symptoms worse. Grinding or clenching your teeth puts enormous pressure on your teeth, which can also affect gum tissue.

Get a checkup with your dentist to check for signs of teeth grinding that could be affecting your gum tissue as well. Your dentist can also evaluate your risk for gum disease to determine if you’re at risk for gum recession and discuss preventative steps to take with you!

Worried About Gum Recession?

If you’re seeing potential signs of gum recession or are concerned about preventing gum recession, it’s time to visit your dentist. The best way to prevent gum recession, in addition to taking proper care of your teeth, is to ensure you aren’t at risk for gum disease and don’t have any damaging habits such as teeth grinding that could influence your risk for the condition!