The saying ‘long in the tooth’ has been around since the mid-nineteenth century and was originally used to refer to horses, as when a horse gets older, its teeth become longer. More commonly, it is used to describe someone who is getting on in years, and just like a horse, a human’s teeth can appear longer as they age, but in this case, it is due to receding gums. As gums recede or draw back from teeth, it makes them look longer than before, and it is a sign that you need to be aware of, as receding gums are not healthy. Because it happens slowly, many people are often initially unaware that they have receding gums or will not realize what it could mean for their dental health in Oshawa.
Why Do Gums Recede?
There are several reasons why gums can recede. These include:
- Gum disease (periodontal disease) is a bacterial infection that damages gums and other structures supporting your teeth, including the jawbone. Periodontal disease is a major cause of gum recession.
- Brushing your teeth too hard or using a hard-bristled toothbrush can wear away your gums and will most likely damage your tooth enamel at the same time.
- Failing to brush your teeth frequently enough will result in gum disease, allowing the harmful bacteria found in dental plaque to infect and inflame your gums.
- Bruxism is a condition where you clench and grind your teeth so hard that it wears down your teeth. The pressure of bruxism can also cause gum recession. Bruxism is often a nocturnal habit, so it is not unusual to be unaware you have this problem until a sleeping partner complains about the noise or is diagnosed with a dental checkup in Ajax.
- A poor bite, where your teeth are misaligned, places your teeth, gums, and jaw joints under pressure.
Is Gum Recession Preventable?
Yes, with the proper oral care in Whitby. Here at Margolian Dentistry, we strongly recommend preventive dental care that includes regular checkups and cleans, combined with excellent oral care at home. When you see our dentist, we can check the condition of your teeth and gums for any signs of oral disease or habits that could affect your dental health.
We carefully check your gum health at every visit. If we see any signs of gum disease, we can treat this condition at a stage where it is easily reversible and, hopefully, well before it has caused gum recession. If you have bruxism, this problem is easily addressed with a custom-made nightguard to prevent your teeth from grinding against each other during sleep. If you have signs of a poor bite, it might be possible to adjust the chewing surfaces of your teeth, so they occlude or fit together more evenly, relieving the pressure on your teeth, gums and jaw joints. Another option is to consider adult orthodontics which could be worthwhile if your teeth are significantly misaligned and might improve your overall dental health.
Professionally cleaning your teeth every six months removes all plaque and tartar buildup and is a great way to keep your gums strong and healthy. Our hygienist can also assess your current oral health routine and, if necessary, can offer practical advice and help on how to improve it. They can demonstrate how to improve your brushing and flossing techniques or offer advice on choosing the best toothbrush and toothpaste. Looking after your teeth at home only takes minutes each day, and your reward will be healthy, strong gums that don’t recede.
