Are your gums shrinking, red, or swollen? Is brushing or flossing painful? These may be signs that you have receding gums.

In this helpful guide, we’ll tackle the basics that you need to know about gum recession, from its symptoms and causes to its effects and preventions. At PRO-SYS, we are committed to helping you manage this condition.

What Are the Signs of Receding Gums?

Receding gums happen when the gum tissue around the teeth has either pulled back or worn away. It is a common problem that occurs over time, forming gaps between the teeth and gum line. Once the gum tissue has pulled back from your teeth, it won’t grow back. 

Consult your dentist if you experience the following symptoms of gum recession:

• Bleeding gums (after brushing or flossing)
• Swollen or red gums
• Pain at the gumline
• Bad breath
• Exposed tooth roots
• Loose teeth

Causes of Receding Gums

Aggressive Brushing 

Remember not to brush your teeth too hard. Forceful brushing can not only put your mouth at risk for dental abrasion but also wear away the enamel in your teeth, leading to gum recession and increased tooth sensitivity. 

Aging

Older individuals are at an increased risk of developing this condition. According to one study, around 88% of people over 65 years old have gum recession in at least one tooth. Hormonal changes throughout the lifetime, especially for women, also play a role in the development of receding gums.

Poor Oral Health

One of the main factors that cause gum recession is poor oral hygiene. Plaques are constantly forming in our teeth. If left unremoved, the debris could build up and harden into tartar, leading to tooth decay, contributing to receding gums. So, the key to preventing this dental condition is by taking good care of your oral health.

My gums are receding! What should I do?

Well, in most cases of mild gum recession, treatment is not needed. Dentists will recommend proper brushing habits, avoiding smoking, and having a healthy diet.

For cases where periodontal diseases are causing receding gums, your dentist may recommend scaling and root planing. This treatment will involve cleaning the tartar from the root surfaces, helping the gum tissues heal, and reattach to the tooth.

More advanced and severe cases of gum recession may require a gum graft. In this treatment, a piece of gum tissue is taken from one area of the mouth and reattached to the area where the recession occurs.

How do I stop receding gums from getting worse?

Prevention is always better than cure. And the most effective way to avoid receding gums is by keeping your oral health in good shape. Make sure to brush your teeth regularly and mildly. Use a quality toothbrush with soft bristles.

Remember: Untreated gum recession makes it easier for disease-causing bacteria to build up in your mouth. If left alone, these bacteria could severely damage the supporting structures of your teeth and may cause tooth decay and tooth loss.

Prevent Receding Gums With a Quality Toothbrush for Sensitive Teeth!

If you’re looking to stay on top of your dental health, you can’t go wrong with the PRO-SYS VarioSonic Electric Toothbrush for Sensitive Gums. Designed for gentle yet effective cleaning, this toothbrush ensures that your teeth and gums stay strong without worrying about receding gums, dental injury, or enamel erosion. Level up your oral care routine today!