Receding gums can be more than just a cosmetic issue with your smile. If your gums are receding, it can cause tooth sensitivity and expose your tooth roots (which don’t have a protective enamel coating) to plaque, bacteria, and debris, leaving them at a greater risk of decay and damage. At Claire Cho DDS, patients in the Aliso Viejo, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Mission Viejo, Laguna Woods, and surrounding CA communities can benefit from the Pinhole Surgical Technique™, a scalpel- and incision-free method of restoring your gums to their natural, healthy shape.
Causes of receding gums
Many patients who consult with Dr. Claire Cho ask about why their gums are receding in the first place. While gum disease (periodontitis) is a leading cause of receding gums due to bacteria and their toxic by-products eating away at the tissues, there are several other risk factors and causes for gum recession, including:
- Clenching and grinding your teeth
- Genetics
- Hormonal changes, such as pregnancy and menopause
- A misaligned bite
- Brushing your teeth too vigorously
- Smoking or use of other types of tobacco
- Insufficient oral hygiene
- Body jewelry in or around your mouth
By treating receding gums as soon as they begin to develop, you have less risk of decay, loose teeth, and even the possibility of tooth extractions.