Are Older Adults More Likely to Get Receding Gums?

Receding gums are more likely to affect people over 30, but aging does not necessarily cause it. Gum recession is often a symptom of gum disease, an infection of gum tissues caused by the bacteria inside plaque and tartar. These microorganisms build these substances, which house them, and the acids that they make.

People over the age of 30 are more likely to develop gum disease, so they are also more likely to have receding gums. Gum recession can make the teeth appear abnormally large in the mouth.

Receding gums and the aging process

According to BBC Future, about 38% of people between the ages of 30 and 39 have some form of receding gums. The percentage goes up to 71% for people who are 50 to 59 and 90% for those who are 80 to 90. While the data indicates that gum recession is something that most people will have to deal with as they age, it is a slow process that can start as early as a person’s teenage years.

Factors like genetics can increase a person’s risk of developing gum disease. For example, some people are born with fragile, thin gums that are more prone to recession. Others develop gum recession due to issues like their jaw becoming overcrowded or poor brushing techniques.

Gum recession is typically caused by gum disease, which is caused by the bacteria in plaque and tartar getting underneath the gums. Plaque is a sticky film that houses bacteria, while tartar is the calcified version of plaque. Plaque can be removed from teeth and the gumline by brushing, but tartar is too hard to brush off teeth. It needs to be scraped off with a tool called a scaler. Dentists can do this during teeth cleaning sessions.

Preventing gum recession

Simple things that people can do to protect their mouth against periodontal disease and gum recession include the following:

• Good dental hygiene: Taking care of the teeth and gums helps get rid of plaque in the mouth. It removes plaque before it turns into tartar and causes more problems. Good dental hygiene includes brushing a minimum of twice daily and flossing once a day. An antibacterial mouthwash can help reduce bacteria in the mouth, and it cleans areas missed by brushing and flossing.
• The right dental hygiene tools and techniques: Dentists recommend using a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean the mouth to avoid irritating gum tissues and causing gum recession. Patients should also avoid brushing too hard.
• Regular teeth cleanings: Teeth cleanings are performed to remove plaque and tartar build-up on teeth surfaces. They protect against tooth decay and gum disease and give the dentist a chance to detect periodontal disease in its early stages.