All About Gum Recession and How to Stop It

  • For someone to realize that they are dealing with gum recession can be a bit startling and bring up a lot of questions on what needs to be done to stop it. A patient may notice that their gums seem to be lower on their teeth than they once were, or their dentist may have brought it to their attention. Either way, gum recession is something that can be stopped and treated with the appropriate procedures. In this article, we are going to cover exactly what gum recession is and how a dentist can help stop the gums from receding further.

What is gum recession?

  • Gum recession, also called gingival recession, occurs when the gums begin moving towards the bottom of a person’s teeth. Because the gum tissue is moving in this direction, it can cause the root of the teeth to become exposed if not handled promptly. The cause of gum recession can be from a number of things, including lifestyle choices a person makes. However, many times the way that a dentist will treat the issue will be dependent on the reason the gums are receding.

Gum recession reason #1: Brushing too hard

  • One of the top reasons that a person could be experiencing gum recession is from brushing and flossing too hard. If the patient has been using a hard bristled brush, this can also lead to issues. It is important for people to remember that brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush for two minutes twice per day is the best habit to have. Forcefully brushing or using harder bristled toothbrushes can cause the gums to begin receding. Although it may seem like it would keep teeth cleaner, both of these habits are bad for teeth and gums and can affect the enamel, too.

Gum recession reason #2: Genetics

  • Just like every other part of your body and health, there are certain things that can happen due simply to your genes. Gum recession is one of those things that some people are more prone to have because of their genetic makeup.

Gum recession reason #3: Grinding teeth (bruxism)

  • Another top reason that people experience gum recession is because of grinding their teeth at night, also called “bruxism.” They may not realize they are doing it unless someone has slept close to them and heard the grinding noise. However, a dentist can inspect the other teeth and be able to determine if this could be the reason for the gums receding. This is not the only oral health issue that can be caused by bruxism, and a dentist can help the issue by having the patient wear a mouth guard at night to stop the grinding.

Have more questions about gum recession?

  • Give our office a call any time, and we can answer any additional questions you have about gum recession and what your next step should be. Our staff is always available to answer questions and get you set up to be seen by the dentist to get answers specific to your case. Give us a call!
Request an appointment here: https://www.stgeorgedentalcare.com or call St. George Dental Care at (435) 628-9099 for an appointment in our St George office.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.

Recent Posts

One Day Dentures In St. George, Utah

Missing teeth can impact your confidence and overall quality of life. Fortunately, advancements in dental technology, like one day dentures, offer a quick and convenient solution. St. George Dental Care is committed to providing modern dental services that help you achieve a healthy, gorgeous smile. In this guide, we'll explore the ins and outs of…

Addressing Smoker Teeth: Prevention And Care

Smoking can take a toll on your health, including your oral health. Smoker teeth are a common issue faced by many smokers, leaving them with stained and unhealthy teeth. This blog aims to shed light on the causes of smoker teeth and provide practical tips to prevent them.Smoker teeth refer to the discoloration and deterioration…

How Periodontitis Tooth Polishing Can Boost Oral Health

Periodontitis is a common yet serious gum disease affecting millions worldwide. It can lead to severe dental issues if left untreated, causing damage to the soft tissue and, eventually, the bone that supports your teeth. This makes preventative dental care crucial for maintaining oral health and overall well-being. In this blog post, we aim to…

Does Gingivitis Cause Bad Breath? Uncover The Connection

Maintaining optimal oral health is more crucial than ever in today's fast-paced world. Many patients and dental health enthusiasts at St. George Dental Care often wonder about the connections between various dental conditions and their symptoms. One burning question is: Does gingivitis cause bad breath?In this guide, we explore the relationship between gingivitis and bad…

Recent Posts

One Day Dentures In St  George, Utah

One Day Dentures In St. George, Utah

Missing teeth can impact your confidence and overall quality of life. Fortunately, advancements in dental technology, like one day dentures, offer a quick and convenient solution. St. George Dental Care is committed to providing modern dental services that help you achieve a healthy, gorgeous smile. In this guide, we'll explore the ins and outs of…

Addressing Smoker Teeth: Prevention And Care

Addressing Smoker Teeth: Prevention And Care

Smoking can take a toll on your health, including your oral health. Smoker teeth are a common issue faced by many smokers, leaving them with stained and unhealthy teeth. This blog aims to shed light on the causes of smoker teeth and provide practical tips to prevent them.Smoker teeth refer to the discoloration and deterioration…