All of the focus on oral health for most people centers around their teeth. But neglecting gums can be just as harmful to your health. Receding gums, which can occur when they aren’t treated properly, can expose the roots of teeth and cause sensitivity and bacterial buildup. If you have noticed or felt the roots of your teeth being more exposed, make an appointment with a dentist and see how you can help prevent it. Here are some specific causes of receding gums.

Teeth Grinding

Grinding your teeth at night is one issue that not only negatively affects the teeth, but the gums as well. The irritation from grinding can lead to the gum line pulling back. Another bad habit that causes receding gums is a bad diet, which can increase your plaque buildup.

Genetics

You can be genetically predisposed to receding gums and other oral issues. Certain diseases and illnesses can also cause receding gums. The obvious is gum disease, but others like diabetes can cause receding gums as well. Certain medications taken to treat other illnesses can cause the side effect of dry mouth, which can lead to an increase in bacteria which increases the risk of getting gum disease. Make sure to pay attention to the side effects of any medication you use and take care to ensure that you keep the reduction of saliva at bay.

So, how can you prevent gum disease?

Brushing and flossing is a great way to prevent against plaque buildup and gum disease. But brushing the wrong way can actually do more bad than good and cause gum lines to recede. It is best to brush softly and with soft bristles. If you brush hard or with bristles that are too hard, it can cause damage to the gums over time and does not improve the plaque removal.

Regular Checkups are a must!

Even if you brush frequently (and well), nothing can replace going to the dentist for a regular checkup to ensure that your gums and teeth are healthy and being treated well. If you are in the Rocklin area and want the highest quality dental care with the best equipment available, Serenity Dental is the best choice for you.

Serenity Dental of Rocklin

SerenityDental.net(916) 630-1084