5 Common Causes of Receding Gums You Should Know About

Receding gums is a very common disease that affects many people. It is also known as a recession, which is a condition where the gum tissue recedes from the teeth. Receding gums can be very uncomfortable and painful. As the gums recede, they expose more surface area on the teeth, which results in sensitivity and biting difficulties. The constant pain may make you irritable and upset all the time. However, receding gums are not something that will stay with you till the end of your life. In most cases, it regenerates within a few weeks without treatment. But in severe cases, you will need a gum grafting procedure!

Continue reading to discover the five common causes of receding gums you should know about.

1. Stress and anxiety
Although you may not always notice it, stress has a significant impact on your oral health. Stress and anxiety are two of the most common causes of receding gums. Stress is a very difficult thing for people to deal with and it can lead to increased gum inflammation, tooth decay, and bleeding gums. Additionally, stress can cause severe weight loss which increases your risk of gum recession. This means that stress is just one more risk factor that you need to take seriously.

2. Diabetes
Diabetes is one of the most common causes of receding gums. It is caused by several factors such as being overweight, having an unhealthy diet, and not getting enough physical activity. Diabetes affects the blood sugar level, which can cause an imbalance in the levels of glucose and insulin in your blood. Glucose is what fuels cells in your body to produce energy while insulin helps to regulate the amount of glucose in your bloodstream. When there is too much glucose floating around in your bloodstream, it can lead to diabetes and eventually receding gums.

3. Poor oral hygiene and dental care
Poor oral hygiene and dental care can lead to receding gums. The most common cause of receding gums is gum disease. This is because plaque that builds up over time on the teeth causes inflammation, which leads to more gum tissue receding. The good news is you can prevent this by making simple changes in your daily routine to ensure your mouth stays healthy and clean. Just brush twice per day with fluoride toothpaste, use a water flosser at least once per day, quit smoking, don’t consume alcohol or caffeine beverages after brushing, and visit a dental office regularly.

4. Obesity
Obesity is one of the main reasons for receding gums. This is because fat accumulations in the cheeks and jaw prevent your teeth from touching properly, which causes gum recession. As a result, you are likely to experience pain and discomfort when you eat or drink.

5. Genetics and Ageing
If you have receding gums due to genetics or aging, there is nothing that can be done and the condition would not resolve itself. A lot of people think that the genetic factor is the main cause of this condition but it is more related to age. As people age, their gum tissue does not get as strong as it used to and as a result, the gum tissue recedes. This condition could also be caused by diseases of the gums such as periodontitis, which can lead to more serious conditions like tooth loss.

The bottom line
A lot of people might think that receding gums are normal, but there are many causes for receding gums. The most common causes of receding gums include stress, diabetes, poor oral hygiene, obesity, genetics, and age. These are all important factors to keep in mind when caring for your oral health.