What Are the Leading Causes of Receding Gums?

Concerned about gum health? Read on to learn more about receding gums and how they occur. The leading causes of receding gums are an inconsistent oral care routine, high consumption of sugar, tobacco use, and irregular dental cleanings. Brushing too vigorously may lead to or contribute to the recession of the gum line, as well.

The leading causes of receding gums

It is helpful to understand what may cause receding gums in order to take precautionary actions and find the right oral care plan to protect periodontal health. Of course, the best way to identify risk factors is to schedule a visit with a dentist, but there are more common causes that are discussed below.

An inconsistent oral care routine

One of the main contributing factors to receding gums is an inconsistent (or less than adequate) oral care routine. Brushing, flossing, and the regular use of mouthwash are the best defense against gum disease and receding gums. People who do not stay consistent with their oral care regimen can develop an accumulation of plaque and tartar on the gums and along the gum line, which can cause gum recession over time.

High consumption of sugar

Sugar consumption in small amounts does not necessarily affect the long-term health of gums, but excessive sugar consumption combined with inadequate oral care and dental cleanings significantly increase the risk of developing gum disease that could lead to the symptom of gum recession. Subsequently, limiting sugar consumption is encouraged to protect gum health and prevent receding gums.

Smoking and tobacco use

Smoking and tobacco use makes it harder for gums to fight off bacterial infections as well as releasing toxins that could damage the gums and teeth directly. It is encouraged to quit smoking and other forms of tobacco use in order to protect gum health.

Irregular dental cleanings

Dental cleanings are incredibly important for the long-term prevention of gum disease and recession. Regular cleanings with your dentist are encouraged every four to six months. This involves scaling away plaque and tartar that accumulates on teeth and along the gum line, which if left unremoved can harm teeth and the gums. A deep dental cleaning (also called scaling and root planing) may be recommended to treat receding gums that are caused by periodontitis. This procedure cleans below the gum line to help prevent bacterial accumulation and attacks on the gum tissue.

Brushing too vigorously

Less commonly, receding gums could result from the opposite reason, as some patients brush their gums too hard, which leads to the wearing down of the gum tissue over the course of years. Consequently, it is important to brush the gums gently (yet thoroughly) with a soft-bristled toothbrush.