If you've noticed that your teeth are starting to become a little more sensitive and that they are looking a bit longer, your gums might have started to recede. Your gums protect the more vulnerable part of your teeth, and when they pull back, your tooth is at greater risk for decay. Sometimes gum recession is hereditary, but many times, receding gums are the result of poor dental habits or care procedures.
Here are some simple habits or practices that could be contributing to your receding gum line.
1. Clenching your teeth.
Do ever catch yourself clenching your jaw tight when you're working or concentrating? Some people do this without even realizing. The constant pressure on your teeth actually causes your more tender gum tissue to pull back. Make a conscious decision to keep you mouth slack. Ideally, your teeth would only really put pressure on each other when you are chewing your food.
2. Grinding your teeth.
Many people struggle with grinding their teeth. This condition is called bruxism, and it's harder to prevent than clenching because people often grind their teeth during sleep. Not only is it bad for your teeth, but it irritates your gums and will result in recession if you do not take preventative steps. Your dentist can prescribe a mouthguard to help reduce the risk of damage.
3. Brushing too aggressively.
Some people like to really clean their teeth, so they push the brush hard and use a lot of force when brushing. However, the bristles of the brush cause damage to the gums, and when they heal, they pull away from the teeth. It's better to use a normal amount of force. Don't press hard; let the brush do all the work.
4. Using a stiff brush.
Like brushing too hard, many people eschew soft brushes, opting for medium or even hard brushes. These are not safe for your gums. If you're concerned that your brush might be too stiff, buy a new one, or invest in a electric toothbrush with a round, soft head that helps to get the clean you want without any extra stiffness or aggression.
5. Poor gum care.
Those who frequently skip brushing and flossing will find their gums are more likely to bleed or become inflamed. Whenever this happens, the gums need to heal themselves. Healing causes contraction, which pulls the tender gum tissue back from the tooth. With continued neglect, the teeth become decay and infection begins, resulting in even faster recession.
If you are worried about receding gums, contact a local dentist at offices like Family 1st Dental for treatment options.
Share11 October 2017
My son was outside playing with some friends when he accidentally fell down and hit his mouth on the sidewalk. The fall knocked out his front tooth, so I immediately placed the tooth in a small jar and added some milk. I rushed my son to the dental clinic and the dentist immediately took us into the examination room. The dentist placed the tooth back into the socket and saved it. My name is Beverly Tillman and thanks to the quick work of the dentist, my son didn't lose his tooth. Since this was a scary time for me and my son, I wanted to write this blog as a source of information for other parents who are facing a dental emergency. First of all, don't panic and get to your dentist as soon as possible. I hope this blog will help to answer your questions about dental emergencies.