Are My Gums Receding?Simi Valley, CA

What causes my gums to recede?

There are multiple reasons why gum recession may occur, and certain causes are related to everyday habits. For instance, brushing twice daily and flossing once a day are important for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. However, using a toothbrush with stiff bristles or brushing with excessive force can irritate the gum tissue and eventually cause the gums to pull away from the teeth. For this reason, we generally recommend using a soft-bristled or electric toothbrush whenever possible. It is also important to brush carefully around the gumline regardless of the toothbrush you choose.

Gum recession may also develop because of periodontal disease, which is one of the leading causes of this condition. At Alamo Family Dentistry, we regularly see gum disease affect patients of all age groups, and early treatment is extremely important. Without proper dental care, the gums may slowly begin to separate from the teeth. This typically occurs when plaque becomes trapped beneath the gumline and between the teeth. Since these areas are difficult to clean effectively at home, plaque can harden into tartar and continue irritating the gums. Eventually, the tissue may become swollen, sensitive, bleed easily, and gradually recede.

Genetics can also give you receding gums, so if your parents had this problem, you may as well.

If your teeth are crooked and your bite is out of alignment, additional strain could be placed on some of your teeth. As a result of abnormal wear patterns, your gums could begin to suffer and eventually recede.

Why are my gums receding on only one side?

If gum recession is limited to one side of the mouth, plaque buildup in that area may be the reason. Plaque can accumulate unevenly, especially if one side of the mouth is cleaned more effectively than the other during brushing or flossing. In some cases, plaque may simply become trapped in a specific area while the rest of the mouth remains unaffected. Uneven bite pressure or crooked teeth may also place additional strain on one side of the gums, leading to recession in that area.

Why is only one tooth experiencing gum recession?

Although a single area of recession can be connected to the causes discussed above, it is often related to localized trauma. The gum tissue surrounding one tooth may have been injured from a cut, abrasion, or irritation. Whether the damage was caused by sharp food, fingernails, or another outside source, injured gum tissue may sometimes heal improperly and gradually pull away from the tooth.

Should I be concerned about receding gums?

Yes. At Alamo Family Dentistry, we encourage patients to pay close attention to any changes in their gum health. If you notice bleeding, swelling, tenderness, or recession, we recommend contacting our office promptly. Early examination allows us to determine whether gum disease or another condition is present and begin treatment before the issue progresses.

Seeking treatment early often allows us to address the condition using less invasive procedures. In some cases, a deep cleaning combined with antibiotic therapy may be enough to restore gum health when treatment begins promptly. Acting quickly also increases the likelihood of avoiding more advanced procedures such as gum grafting.