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Your gum health is vital to the overall health of your smile. Often, gingival issues can lead to serious complications, from discomfort to adult tooth loss. In today’s blog, we’re going to talk about gum recession. What causes your gums to recede?

Try Our Quiz on Gum Recession

  1. True or False: Brushing too hard can lead to recession.
  2. True or False: This could be a sign of gum disease.
  3. True or False: We can help address issues with gum health.
  4. True or False: You can take steps to safeguard your gums at home.

Answer Key

  1. True. When we brush too rough, particularly if we’re already using a toothbrush with hard bristles, this can irritate the gums and cause them to recede. Other potential causes include the pressure from teeth grinding or toothpaste that uses abrasive components, such as whitening toothpastes. When we examine your smile, we will assess the cause of your recession to identify the best treatment option.
  2. True. Gum inflammation, also known as gingivitis, can cause the gums to feel sore, appear redder than usual, or bleed easily when you brush and floss. Eventually, the gum tissue can recede in the later stages of gingivitis and early stages of gum disease. When you first notice these symptoms, see us right away. While we can reverse gingivitis, gum disease is incurable and needs to be managed to protect your smile.
  3. True. We can offer dental cleanings, which remove plaque from the surface of the teeth, or for patients with gingivitis, a deep cleaning to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth and roots. Treatment can reduce inflammation and help correct recession. We can also see if you require treatment for bruxism (teeth grinding) or if you need to adjust how you brush your teeth.
  4. True. First, be sure you brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Try using a non-abrasive toothpaste, avoid those with whitening ingredients. You should also floss thoroughly each night before bed.

Do You Have Questions About Gum Health?

We can help you maintain healthy gums with our approach to preventive care. To schedule a consultation, call the Viva Dental Family Dentistry office nearest you at (214) 337-7800 (Dallas) or (972) 437-6000 (Richardson).