Why Do Gums Recede with Age?

Avoiding Gum Recession As We Age

As we age, our oral health becomes increasingly important. Various conditions can affect adults over 30, but one common condition is gum recession. Gum recession occurs when the gums recede from the teeth, exposing them. It can cause discomfort, and tooth sensitivity, making it easier for bacteria to enter your mouth. Fortunately, you can take steps to prevent it from happening or slow its progression.

Long in the tooth

Long in the tooth is meant to say that someone is on the older side. There is a dental spin on the history of this phrase. Natural gum recession as we age exposes more of our teeth. The less healthy your gums are, the more they recede and the longer in the tooth you will be. Avoiding severe gum disease is key to keeping your teeth until the day you leave this earth.

What Does Gums Receding Mean?

As we age, many bodily changes occur that cannot be avoided. One such change is gum recession. This process can lead to tooth sensitivity, increased risk of cavities, and other dental issues.

Gum recession occurs when the gum line recedes or pulls away from the teeth. Enamel erosion, periodontal disease, and aggressive brushing are all common causes of this issue. It is also more likely if you have a family history of gum recession.

If you’re concerned about gum recession, the first step is to visit your dentist. They will examine your mouth and gums to detect any signs of recession. If any exists, they will discuss potential treatments such as scaling and root planing, depending on your specific needs.

Practicing good oral hygiene habits is also important to prevent gum recession. Brush with a soft-bristled brush at least twice a day and floss regularly. These steps will go a long way towards preventing gum recession or slowing its progression.

Finally, it’s worth noting that there are some postsurgical procedures available to address gum recession. For example, gum grafts can replace lost tissue and advance the gumline to its original position. However, these should only be considered after consulting with your dentist.

Gum recession can have serious repercussions, so it’s important to take preemptive action if you suspect that it may affect you. A checkup with your dentist is a great place to start.

Aging and Gum Recession

Gum recession is a common problem in America. Our diets and avoiding preventive dental care create unhealthy oral health situations. The more gums recede, the bigger the spaces between the teeth will be. These spaces are perfect breeding grounds for the germs which can grow and multiply and lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Gum recession, to some degree, isn’t avoidable as we age, but the process is slowed down when you practice good oral hygiene. Be sure to brush with fluoridated toothpaste twice daily and floss once daily. Doing this cleans your mouth of gum-infecting bacteria.

Causes of Gum Recession

The most common cause of gum recession is periodontal disease, caused by plaque buildup and tartar on the teeth. This occurs when bacteria microbes enter the gums and cause inflammation, damaging the soft tissues that support the teeth. Poor oral hygiene can also increase your risk of developing gum recession as you age. Other factors, such as genetics and lifestyle choices, may also affect how quickly your gums recede.

Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to prevent gum recession from occurring or slow its progression of it if it has already started. These include brushing your teeth twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush, flossing daily, avoiding smoking and tobacco use, and seeing your dentist for regular cleanings and checkups. Your dentist may also suggest treatments such as scaling and root planing to remove plaque and tartar buildup below the gum line or even more advanced procedures such as gum grafts to help restore lost gum tissue.

Avoid Acidic Foods and Beverages

If your gums have already begun to recede, avoid food or drinks containing acids. Healthy tooth enamel can usually stand up to the occasional consumption of acids in wine, orange juice, carbonated soft drinks, and lemonade. However, once the recession is underway and tooth enamel is damaged, the dentin and tooth roots are exposed and vulnerable.  If you eat or drink something with acid, swish your mouth with water afterward to help wash the acid away. Teeth grinding also exacerbates and speeds up recession. If you suffer from bruxism, speak to your dentist about wearing a customized nightguard while you sleep.