Periodontitis and Factors of Gum Recession
Periodontitis and Other Factors Causing Gum Recession
If your parents ever warned you that your teeth would fall out if you didn’t brush them properly, they weren’t far off. While gum disease may be the most common cause behind receding gums, it’s far from the only one. Many different factors can cause gum recession, periodontitis being the most prominent among them.
Read on to learn about how periodontitis and gum recession affect your oral health, as well as four other contributors to gum recession.
What is periodontitis?
Periodontitis is better known simply as “gum disease” by most people. This degenerative disease destroys the soft tissue of your gums first, but if left untreated, can also damage the bone and ligaments that support your permanent teeth. This can cause your teeth to loosen… or fall out altogether. Thankfully, periodontitis can be prevented with good oral habits and regular dental care. Brushing your teeth at least twice per day, flossing and making regular visits to your dentist or periodontist will ensure that your teeth and gums stay healthy. If you notice the signs of periodontitis – red or puffy gums, soreness in the gums, loose teeth, blood when brushing your teeth as well as gum recession – see your dentist right away. The earlier you address your periodontitis, the more likely you are to reverse any damage. Besides periodontitis, what causes gum recession? Gum disease isn’t the only thing that can lead to receding gums and tooth loss. There are a few factors that can contribute towards gum recession and can even make periodontal disease and gum recession worse. Here’s what to avoid:
1. Tooth grinding. Grinding your teeth (bruxism), is something most people experience occasionally. However, if you’ve been grinding or clenching your teeth overnight (a sore jaw in the morning is a telltale sign), you could be damaging the supporting foundation for your teeth, paving the way for loose teeth and receding gums. Talk to your dentist about a mouth guard to help prevent this while you sleep.
2. Hard-bristle toothbrushes. You might relish the “extra clean” feeling that vigorous brushing with a hard-bristled toothbrush gives, but you could be damaging soft gum tissue and tooth structure. Instead, use a soft-bristled brush and try not to put too much elbow grease into it – the brush will do the work, even if you’re gentle. Consider an electric toothbrush that alerts you if you’re brushing too hard.
3. Diabetes. Diabetics are more vulnerable to suffer from periodontitis, gum infections or gum recession. This is due largely because diabetes limits the blood supply to soft tissues, including the gums; reduces saliva, which helps get rid of bacteria; and it affects the immune system from functioning at peak efficiency. Talk to your doctor and dentist about how to help prevent gum recession if you suffer from diabetes.
4. Smoking, vaping and chewing tobacco. We all know smoking, vaping and chewing tobacco are bad for your teeth in a lot of different ways, but they can also be bad for your gums. That’s because it weakens your immune system, making it much harder for your body to fight off gum disease. That, and the carcinogens and chemicals within these products have a direct impact on healthy gum tissue.
If you suspect you have gum recession or periodontitis, be sure to call your dentist at once. The sooner it’s addressed, the better off you’ll be. They may even recommend a periodontal specialist if the condition is severe enough.
Levenson Periodontal Associates is always ready to provide tips and advice on how to reduce gum recession – whether caused by periodontitis or any of the factors listed above.