As you grow older, your gums can recede.

It’s normal to see some receding around your mouth. But if you notice more than a small amount of gum recession, you should visit a dentist. Gums that recede have less gum tissue to protect your teeth. This can cause more plaque and tartar build up around your teeth. Over time, plaque and tartar build up can lead to gum disease, and in turn, tooth loss. If you don’t have gum disease, you can use these simple steps to prevent it.

What are the symptoms of receding gums?

You may have noticed your gums start to pull back a bit when you open your mouth. This is called gingival recession and it happens to most people as they get older. You may notice this on your top front teeth, upper back molars or bottom front teeth.

If you notice a lot of receding, then you should book an appointment with a dentist to check it out.

Other symptoms include:

• Bad breath
• Gums that bleed easily
• Gums that look pink, yellow or brown
• Teeth that look dull
• Tooth sensitivity
• Loose teeth
• Loosening of teeth

What causes receding gums?

There are many factors that can cause receding gums. These include:

• Genetics
• Poor oral hygiene
• Tobacco and alcohol use
• Certain diseases
• Aging
• Inadequate nutrition
• Smoking
• Medications
• Poor diet
• Poor dental care

Why is receding gums a problem?

If you notice too much gum recession, you could be at risk of losing your teeth. Receding gums are a sign that you’re not doing enough to keep your gums healthy. When your gums pull away from your teeth, they expose the roots of your teeth to more bacteria. This can lead to gum disease and tooth loss. Gum disease can lead to tooth loss.

Prevention

You can use a few simple tips to keep your gums healthy.

• Brush your teeth twice a day for 2 minutes each time. You should use a soft-bristled brush with fluoride toothpaste.
• Floss daily. You should use a floss that’s made for you, and never use a regular floss. You should floss at least once a day, and ideally two times a day. Flossing helps to remove the bacteria and food that’s left behind on the surfaces of your teeth. It’s important to floss the areas that are difficult to reach.
• Rinse your mouth after brushing your teeth. You should use a mouth rinse and spit after brushing. Rinse your mouth with plain water, or use a mouthwash.
• Quit smoking. Smoking can increase the risk of gum disease and tooth loss. If you smoke, you should quit. You should also avoid using tobacco products.
• Eat a healthy diet. A healthy diet includes:
• Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables
• Drinking plenty of water
• Avoiding sugary foods and beverages
• Using fluoride-free toothpaste and rinses
• Washing your hands frequently

Having regular dental checkups. Your dentist can check your gums and teeth and tell you if they need to be cleaned or repaired. If you’re not seeing a dentist regularly, you should get a full dental checkup to ensure that your gums and teeth are healthy.

How do you get rid of receding gums?

If you notice too much receding, it’s important that you visit a dentist. Your dentist can clean and repair your teeth and gums. If you notice that your gums are pulling back, your dentist can fix them and protect your teeth.