What Causes Receding Gums? (2024)

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT RECEDING GUMS

The term 'receding gums' refers to when your gums draw back from your teeth, exposing the root beneath. The first sign tends to be increased tooth sensitivity, but you may also notice a tooth looks longer than normal or feel a notch where the gum meets the tooth (the area known as the gum line).

Although a common dental problem, gum recession should not be ignored as it can be a sign of gum disease.

WHAT CAUSES RECEDING GUMS?

Receding gums can be caused by a number of factors, including ageing, brushing too hard or even poor oral health. Poor oral health can lead togingivitis, when the gums become inflamed due to the presence ofplaque bacteriaand, if left untreated, eventually begin to recede.

If the cause of receding gums is not identified, and it is allowed to continue, gum recession can lead to more serious oral health problems.

The gum may start to come away from the tooth, creating 'pockets' around it where even more plaque can build up. Over time, these pockets deepen, gums continue to recede and teeth can become loose.

TREATING RECEDING GUMS

It’s a stark fact: once gums start to recede, they do not grow back. This means that noticing andtreating receding gumsat the earliest stage – and before it develops into anything worse – is vital.

Therefore, the first thing to do if you suspect you may be experiencing gum recession is speak to your dentist as they will be able to identify the cause of receding gums and advise on the best receding gums treatments for you.

Byreviewing your daily oral care routine with your dentist, you can help stop gums receding in the first place or, if you are already suffering from the problem, prevent it getting any worse.

Switching to a toothpaste likeCorsodyl Complete Protection Toothpastecan help stop and prevent receding gums. With twice daily brushing, it is 4x more effective* than a regular toothpaste at removing the build-up of plaque bacteria along the gum line (the area where the gum meets the tooth), helping to keep gums healthy and teeth strong.

*With twice daily brushing. Contact mystory.gb@haleon.com for verification

What Causes Receding Gums? (2024)

FAQs

What can receding gums be caused by? ›

Here are eight of the most common reasons gums shrink back.
  • Genetics. Some people are just born with gums that are prone to recede. ...
  • Overzealous brushing. ...
  • Mouth trauma. ...
  • Periodontal disease. ...
  • Braces. ...
  • High frenal attachment. ...
  • Teeth grinding. ...
  • Poor dental hygiene.

What deficiency causes receding gums? ›

Insufficiency of Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is, along with vitamin A, one of the key nutrients of gums and teeth. Gum disease, commonly known as periodontitis, can be caused by a lack of vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is an essential mineral for healthy gums. Gum recession can develop as a result of advanced gum disease.

Why can't receding gums be fixed? ›

Receding Gums Treatment

Gingival recession can't be reversed. Once the gum tissue has pulled back and away from the teeth, it can't re-grow on its own. However, treatments can keep the problem from getting worse.

Can gum recession be reversed? ›

The simple answer is, no. If your gums are damaged by, for example periodontitis, the most severe form of gum disease, it's not possible for receding gums to grow back. However, even though receding gums can't be reversed there are treatments that can help to stop the problem from getting worse.

How to stop receding gums from getting worse? ›

Can I prevent gum recession?
  1. Brush your teeth thoroughly twice every day.
  2. Floss once daily.
  3. Use an antimicrobial mouthwash twice daily.
  4. Follow your dentist's recommendation for teeth cleanings. ...
  5. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush.
  6. Don't smoke or use chewing tobacco.

How to regrow receding gums? ›

Treating Recessed Gums

Since your gums won't regrow on their own to fill this space, your surgeon will remove affected tissue and smooth out the damaged bone to allow the gum tissue to reattach. Gum Grafts. This procedure helps to cover an exposed tooth root and prevent additional bone loss and gum recession.

What vitamin helps restore gums? ›

Vitamins A, B, C, D, and K

Vitamin A also promotes the growth and repair of oral tissues, including the gums and mucous membranes. Foods that are rich in vitamin A include orange colored fruits like sweet potatoes and carrots, as well as spinach, and liver.

Can anything stop receding gums? ›

Receding gums treatment for mild cases can be effectively treated by your dentist and dental hygienist i.e. you will be prescribed a course of deep cleaning (also known as tooth scaling and root planing) to get rid of plaque and tartar build-up below the gum line, so your gums can heal.

What foods strengthen your gums? ›

Here are 7 foods you can eat that support gum health.
  • Fresh Fruits and Vegetables. Fresh fruits and vegetables that are crunchy and full of fiber can help keep teeth clean and healthy, and lower the risk of plaque build up. ...
  • Milk, Yogurt, Dairy. ...
  • Water. ...
  • Sugar Free Gum. ...
  • Tea. ...
  • Nuts. ...
  • Whole Grains.
Aug 3, 2020

What toothpaste is good for receding gums? ›

You may be wondering: what is the best toothpaste for receding gums? If you have sensitive teeth, consider using the daily dual action Sensodyne Sensitivity and Gum toothpaste, which builds a protective layer over sensitive areas while removing plaque and bacteria to support gum health.

Can you live with receding gums? ›

When gum recession occurs, "pockets," or gaps, form between the teeth and gum line, making it easy for disease-causing bacteria to build up. If left untreated, the supporting tissue and bone structures of the teeth can be severely damaged, and may ultimately result in tooth loss.

What mouthwash is good for receding gums? ›

The Corsodyl mouthwash helps with bleeding gums as well as recession, and it prevents gum disease. It is the go-to brand for many people with gum recession. Corsodyl contains an active ingredient called chlorhexidine digluconate, an antiseptic that kills bacteria that aren't layered onto the teeth.

What is the new treatment for receding gums? ›

The Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique is a minimally invasive option for treating gum recession. Unlike traditional grafting techniques, PST is incision and suture free. Dr. Paul Chang is trained and certified to perform the Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique.

What gel helps your gums grow back? ›

Straumann Emdogain is an easy-to-apply, protein-based gel that is designed to promote predictable regeneration of lost periodontal hard and soft tissues caused by periodontitis, helping to save and preserve the tooth.

How to brush teeth with receding gums? ›

Hold your brush at a 45-degree angle along the line of the gums. Don't hold the brush flat against your teeth. This lets the brush skim the surface without getting into the crevices where bacteria and plaque hide.

How to fix gum recession at home? ›

9 Natural Remedies for Receding Gums
  1. Antioxidants. According to a 2019 meta-analysis, antioxidants can reduce gum inflammation. ...
  2. Turmeric Gel. ...
  3. Omega-3 Fatty Acids. ...
  4. Salt. ...
  5. Hydrogen Peroxide. ...
  6. Aloe Vera. ...
  7. Septilin. ...
  8. Rinsing With Herbal Extracts & Oils.
Sep 16, 2021

Why are my gums receding in my 20s? ›

Receding gums is when the gum tissue around the teeth wears away, exposing the tooth roots. While this condition is commonly associated with aging, it can also affect individuals in their 20s. Gum recession can be caused by genetics, gum disease, aggressive brushing, tobacco use, and hormonal changes.

Do electric toothbrushes cause gum recession? ›

Electric toothbrushes are generally considered safer for gums. In addition, soft bristles are recommended over hard bristles, regardless of toothbrush type. As aggressive brushing can lead to gum recession, an electric toothbrush with better, soft bristles can be superior for gum health.

Do gums grow back if cut? ›

If a fingertip is severed, it will need to be reattached through surgical methods. So, how do gums magically regrow themselves in 48 hours? The truth is, they don't. The gums cannot grow back once they recede.

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