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Causes of Gum Recession Part I in Series:
By admin | December 17, 2011
Have you heard the saying “long in the tooth?” This saying is very popular to this day amongst older generations. What they are referring to is teeth looking longer due to the gums receding with age. This thought was the “norm” with these generations. However, with the increased knowledge in the dental and health community, it was determined that age was not the main factor in causing the gums to recede. The following is a list of the causes of gum recession.
Causes of Gum Recession:
1. Periodontal (Gum) Disease: Although it is true that as we age we are more at risk of gum disease, it is the bacteria in the mouth that causes the infection of the gums. The bacteria that causes gum disease grow and multiply between dental cleanings and live under the gum tissue where dental floss goes.
2. Unhealthy Diet: Gum tissue needs nutrients just like the rest of our body. Vitamin C plays a critical role in gum health. Along with the Vitamin B12 and essential fatty acids. A diet containing fruits and vegetables will help to keep the tissue healthy.
3. Bite Imbalance: It is unfortunate that with all of the dental technology available, the issue of bite stability still creates gum recession. As a trained O.B.I. dentist, it is my belief that if the bite is balanced, teeth will last more than a lifetime. Not all dentists are trained in bite stability and jaw alignment, thus millions of individuals are suffering from continual gum recession that could be stopped with proper bite balancing. When the bite is uneven, certain teeth have too much of the workload, causing tissue and bone destruction in those areas.
4. Clenching/Grinding: Again, excessive forces on the teeth damage the surrounding bone and gum tissue. There are several ways my Riverside Biological dental office can help you protect your teeth from excessive wear.
5. Chewing tobacco: Where snuff is placed, the tissue is suffocated and recedes as a result. Also, lets not forget oral cancer is largely increased in these areas.
6. Oral piercings: Cause trauma to adjacent tissue.
7. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate: for those individuals who are sensitive to many materials this toothpaste additive can cause gum tissue to recede due to irritation.
*stay tuned for part II of my blog on gum recession where I will discuss ways to prevent and treat gum recession.
If you are interested in finding out how to prevent, stop, or fix your gum recession please contact my Southern California Biological dental office where your health is our utmost priority. (951)686-3666.
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