Why Are My Gums Receding?

Sometimes the oral tissues can get irritated. When this happens, the gums tend to move away from the teeth and expose the roots. This makes your teeth look longer and it can also cause extreme sensitivity. It’s best to determine the cause of the irritated gums and fix the situation as soon as possible. To help you, our dentist, Dr. Konstantinos Proussaefs, is happy to tell you about some of the causes and some of the things you can do to help the situation.

The first cause is an aggressive oral hygiene routine. This means you brush and even floss roughly. This can irritate the gums and make them shrivel away from the teeth. As you brush, make sure you use a soft-bristled toothbrush and you scrub gently. As you floss, be careful along the gum line and don’t force the floss into place.

The second cause is the excessive use of whitening strips. Some over-the-counter whitening strip treatments have an extremely strong solution. If you’re not careful during the treatment and you let the solution touch the gums, the tissues can be extremely irritated. If you use enough treatments, the gums will recede. So, it’s best to quit using the treatments and talk to your dentist about a better cosmetic dental treatment.

The third cause is gum disease. Gum disease is a serious dental issue, and gum recession, bad breath, bleeding gums, and swollen gums are all symptoms of this disease. So, if you notice these symptoms, it’s important to schedule an appointment with your dentist right away.

Call the dental office of Konstantinos Proussaefs DDS Inc at 805-422-3116 today if you have any questions or if you would like to know more about why your gums might be receding in Simi Valley, California. We also encourage you to schedule an appointment if you want tips for your specific smile. We look forward to hearing from and helping you!