As part of the foundation of your smile, your periodontal tissues and ligaments play several vital roles in your long-term oral health. There are many different signs that your periodontal health might be in trouble, and that you should take as a sign to seek treatment as soon as possible. For example, if your gums begin to recede, then it might indicate an early stage of gum disease, or that you’re at a much higher risk of developing it. At our Encinitas/San Diego periodontal office, we can help you address the problem of receding gums and determine whether you need additional treatment to address periodontal disease.

Why gums start to recede

• Gingivitis, or early gum disease is one of the most common reasons for gum recession. The condition involves an infection in your gums caused by certain types of harmful oral bacteria. Given enough time, they can work their way underneath your gums and settle on your teeth roots. Their presence and the toxins they produce irritates your gums, causing them to pull away from your teeth roots and lead to increasingly larger pockets.
• Certain types of bite problems can also affect your gums and cause them to recede. For instance, if you grind your teeth constantly, the pressure from it can irritate your gums enough to cause them to recede. If your teeth are misaligned, then their alignment can make it harder for your gums to adhere to them evenly, leading to gum recession or making it worse.
• Certain medical conditions, like changes in hormones or certain genetic predispositions, may also cause you to experience gum recession as you age. While gum disease may not be its cause, the fact that your gums recede can make them much more susceptible to developing it. Therefore, addressing gum recession (regardless of its cause) is essential to keeping your smile and its foundation strong and healthy for life.

Is it too late prevent gum disease?

If you notice your gums receding, then seeking prompt treatment could make all the difference in your long-term oral health. In some cases, early gingivitis may be reversed with periodontal cleaning and a schedule of holistic periodontal maintenance. If it can’t be reversed, then you can control it, address gum recession and other existing symptoms, and protect your smile with customized periodontal treatment and maintenance.

Find out why your gums are receding

If your gums are starting to recede, then it could indicate a serious threat to your oral and periodontal health. For more information, schedule a consultation with Dr. Kania by calling her periodontal office in Encinitas/San Diego, CA, at (760) 642-0711.