What are receding gums, and what are they caused by?
Receding gums, also known as gingival recession, describes the loss of gum tissue, potentially exposing the roots of one’s teeth. It generally happens the most to people in their 40s and older, but can sometimes start in the teen years. It is one of the main indicators of periodontal disease (also known as periodontitis, gingivitis, or gum disease). Some causes of receding gums include: – Brushing too hard with a toothbrush that has hard bristles. This causes the enamel by the gum line to erode. – Periodontal disease – Lack of adequate flossing and/or brushing. This allows bacteria / tartar buildup, which results in enzymes eating away the bone of your teeth – Chewing tobacco. This affects the mucus membrane lining in the oral cavity and causes receding gums over a certain amount of time – Bruxism (teeth grinding) – Adult orthodontic moving of the teeth – Lip or tongue piercings can wear away the part of the gum that rubs against them – Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), an ingredient that i
