Receding Gums: Causes and Prevention

Good oral health isn’t simply about keeping your teeth clean. Taking care of your gums is just as important when it comes to making sure your smile is at its best.

Gum recession is one of the most common causes of sensitive teeth. When we suffer from receding gums, the soft dentine inside the tooth can become exposed. Dentine is full of tiny holes that lead directly to the nerve at the centre of the tooth. This is why you might experience sensitive teeth when you take a sip of ice-cold water, enjoy a hot cup of tea or bite into something sweet or sour.

In this no-nonsense guide we help you understand what causes receding gums, and how to help prevent gum recession.

WHAT CAUSES RECEDING GUMS?

Understanding what causes gum recession is the first step in learning how to help prevent receding gums.

A receding gum line often happens gradually, meaning that it can be difficult to spot. When brushing, keep your eye out for any redness, bleeding or swelling. There are several reasons why you might experience these symptoms. Some of the most common include:

• Not brushing your teeth properly or regularly. Poor oral hygiene can lead to a build-up of plaque, a sticky film containing bacteria that can harm your gums. This often leads to gum diseases such as gingivitis and the more serious periodontitis, which affects the tissue and bone that supports your teeth.1,2
• Overbrushing.3 Cleaning your teeth too vigorously or using a toothbrush with very hard bristles can cause your gums to recede.
  
• An old toothbrush. Replace your brush every three to four months, and make sure it is kept clean and dry between uses.4
  
• Smoking. This can both cause gum disease and make it worse.5
  
• People who are pregnant or who suffer from diabetes or a weakened immune system are more at risk of receding gums.6
  

HOW TO PREVENT RECEDING GUMS

Sadly, once gums have receded, they can’t grow back. The great news is that a good oral-hygiene routine can help prevent further gum recession.

In the long term, we recommend going for regular dental check-ups, though you may need to visit your dentist more frequently if you’re experiencing problems or suffer from a condition that makes you more susceptible to gum recession. Dentists or dental hygienists can help you master your oral-care routine and spot the signs of receding gums. The sooner it’s treated, the better.7,8

There are simple steps you can take at home too. Brush your teeth regularly, at least twice a day, and use a toothpaste containing fluoride.

If you have sensitive teeth, consider using a toothpaste designed to help protect sensitive teeth, such as the daily dual-action Sensodyne Sensitivity & Gum toothpaste, which builds a protective layer over sensitive areas while removing plaque and bacteria to support gum health.9 Use this with the Sensodyne Repair & Protect Toothbrush to prevent overbrushing while cleaning effectively.

To put the pleasure back into eating and drinking, explore the full Sensodyne range, and find out which one is best suited to you.