What Actually Causes Receding Gums? 8 Factors Our San Jose Dentist Wishes You Knew

Have you ever looked in the mirror and noticed your teeth seem a bit longer than they used to? This is often a sign of receding gums, when the gum tissue around your teeth pulls back or wears away. This process exposes more of the tooth, or even its root. More than just a cosmetic concern, recession can create “pockets,” or gaps, between your teeth and gum line, making it easy for disease-causing bacteria to build up.

While some factors are out of your control, many are related to daily habits and overall health. Below, the San Jose dentist at Bay Area Dental & Implant Center goes over eight key factors that contribute to receding gums.

1. Aggressive Brushing

Believe it or not, you can have too much of a good thing. Brushing your teeth is essential, but brushing too hard or using a hard-bristle toothbrush can wear down your enamel and cause your gums to recede. The goal is to gently clean your teeth, not scrub them into submission.

Think of it like cleaning a delicate surface—you wouldn’t use a scouring pad. Your gums are sensitive tissue. Using a soft-bristle brush and applying gentle pressure in a circular motion is the most effective and safest way to keep your teeth and gums clean without causing damage.

2. Periodontal Disease

This is the number-one cause of gum recession. Gum disease is a bacterial infection that destroys the gum tissue and bone that hold your teeth in place. The initial stage, known as gingivitis, often causes red, swollen, and bleeding gums.

If gingivitis isn’t addressed, it can advance to periodontitis. At this stage, the gums begin to pull away from the teeth, forming pockets that become infected. As your body’s immune system fights the bacteria, the bone and connective tissue can start to break down. This process directly leads to gum recession.

3. Genetics

Sometimes, your oral health is simply written in your DNA. Some people are more susceptible to gum disease and receding gums, regardless of how well they care for their teeth. If your parents or other close relatives have experienced gum recession, you may be at a higher risk.

Being aware of your genetic predisposition doesn’t mean recession is inevitable; it just means you need to be extra vigilant with your oral hygiene and dental checkups with our San Jose dentist.

4. Inadequate Dental Care

Skipping brushing and flossing allows plaque to build up between your teeth and along the gum line.

• Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that, if not removed, can harden into tartar.
  
• Tartar is a hard substance that can only be removed with a professional cleaning.
  

This buildup pushes the gums away from the teeth, creating space for more bacteria and leading directly to receding gums. Consistent daily care and regular professional cleanings are your best defense.

5. Tobacco Use

Using tobacco products is one of the most harmful things you can do for your oral health. Smokers and users of smokeless tobacco are more likely to have sticky plaque on their teeth that’s difficult to remove. Tobacco also reduces blood flow to the gums, impairing their ability to heal and fight off infection. This leaves the gums vulnerable to breakdown and recession.

6. Hormonal Changes

Fluctuations in female hormones during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause can make gums more sensitive and vulnerable to recession. During these times, gums can become more inflamed, and the body’s response to plaque can be exaggerated. It’s especially important to maintain excellent oral hygiene during these life stages to protect your gum health. Our San Jose dentist can also offer targeted support.

7. Lip or Tongue Piercings

Oral piercings can be a form of self-expression, but they come with risks. The jewelry can rub against the gums, causing the tissue to wear away over time. This constant irritation can lead to localized gum recession around the tooth closest to the piercing. If you have an oral piercing, it’s crucial to watch for any changes in your gum tissue and maintain impeccable hygiene.

8. Injury or Trauma

A direct injury to a tooth or gum tissue can also cause receding gums in that specific area. This can happen from a sports injury, an accident, or even from using a foreign object improperly around your teeth (like trying to open something with them). Protecting your teeth during sports with a mouthguard and avoiding using them as tools can prevent this type of trauma-induced recession.

San Jose Dentist’s Tips to Prevent Receding Gums

While you can’t change your genetics, you have control over many other factors. Here are a few key steps to prevent receding gums from the team at Bay Area Dental & Implant Center:

• Practice Gentle Brushing: Use a soft-bristle toothbrush and brush with gentle, circular motions. Ask our hygienist to show you the proper technique at your next visit.
• Don’t Skip Flossing: Floss daily to remove plaque from between your teeth and under the gum line.
• See Our Dentist Regularly: Professional cleanings and exams remove tartar and catch early signs of trouble. We recommend visiting at least twice a year.
• Quit Tobacco: If you use tobacco, quitting is the single best thing you can do for your gums and overall health.

Is Your Gum Line Retreating? It’s Time to Act

Gums recede gradually, and you might not notice it until it becomes more advanced. If you’re concerned about your gums or have noticed any changes, the best course of action is to book a visit with a professional.

At Bay Area Dental & Implant Center, our San Jose dentist can assess your unique situation, identify the causes of your receding gums, and recommend a personalized plan to restore your oral health and protect your smile for years to come. All your gum needs, all in one place. Reach out today!