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Gum recession, caused by gum disease and aggressive brushing, can occur at any age and can lead to tooth sensitivity and bone loss. Proper oral hygiene can prevent and treat the condition, which has been linked to heart disease and stroke.
Reducing gums, also commonly called receding gums, are gums that appear to be pulling away from the teeth. This gives the impression that the teeth are longer than they are because more tooth enamel is visible. Gum disease and brushing your teeth too hard are two common reasons for this. Most of those affected are over the age of 40, but gum shrinkage can occur at any age, particularly if dental hygiene is poor.
The initial stage of gum disease is known as gingivitis. Bleeding gums are often the first sign of a problem. Gum inflammation is common in the beginning, before the gums begin to recede. Dentists often warn patients to pay attention to a pink toothbrush, which would be an easy way to spot bleeding when brushing teeth. Bleeding can also be a sign that someone is brushing too hard and causing damage to the gums. This can also lead to receding gums and an unhealthy mouth.
Gingivitis is caused by bacteria that form naturally in the mouth. These bacteria create plaque that can be swept away when it first appears. If not removed through good oral hygiene, it hardens into tartar which usually needs to be scraped off by a dentist. Tartar under the gumline irritates the gums, causing them to pull away from the teeth. Teeth can become especially sensitive to hot, cold or sweet foods. Sore gums are another common sign that there may be a problem.
If gingivitis is not corrected in the early stages, it can progress to periodontitis. When this occurs, gum recession is usually much more noticeable. Sometimes brown tartar becomes evident at the gum line due to shrinkage of the gums. Not only can this problem be unappealing, but it can also affect a person’s overall health.
The shrinkage of the gums, especially when they start to bleed, usually leads to the loosening of the teeth. This is because the tartar that irritates the gums also contributes to bone loss. The teeth are anchored in the bones in the jaws. When periodontal disease is present, that bone can begin to slowly disappear so that teeth become less secure. This often leads to teeth starting to shift in the mouth and eventually falling out or needing to be pulled.
Other less common causes of gum shrinkage include factors such as inherited dental problems, teeth grinding at night, chewing tobacco use, and lip or tongue piercings that irritate gum tissue. Once these problems are resolved, if possible, shrinking gums often return to a normal, healthy state. Proper and gentle oral hygiene can help prevent shrinkage of the gums caused by aggressive brushing and gingivitis. Good oral hygiene can also help reduce the risk of health conditions such as heart disease and stroke, as periodontal disease has been linked to an increased chance of developing these serious conditions.
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