One of the most common issues patients have when they visit the dentist is receding gums. Often, they immediately think, “I must have gum disease.” While this may be true, receding gums are not always a clear sign of disease. In fact, many people don’t realize the problem until their teeth become sensitive to hot, cold, or sweets, or they notice a change in their smile, with more visible surface areas or tiny gaps between teeth.
Dentists often address this problem with a quick fix: a white composite filling near the gum line. While this approach may help with tooth sensitivity in the short term, it can make the problem worse over time by causing further gum recession.
Gum disease, also known as periodontitis, is a serious condition. Symptoms such as bleeding when brushing, loose teeth, persistent bad breath, or loose teeth should always be checked out. However, receding gums can also be caused by other reasons.
Perhaps surprisingly, one of the biggest culprits for receding gums is overbrushing. Brushing too hard or with the wrong tools, such as a hard-bristled toothbrush, can gradually wear away gum tissue. Electric toothbrushes can help by reducing pressure, especially newer ones that light up when you’re brushing too hard. But in reality, many people focus more on how long they brush than how they brush. Even the smart apps that come with these toothbrushes often only show how long you brush each area, not how much pressure you apply.
That’s why it’s so important to teach proper brushing technique. The best approach will vary based on your individual tooth and gum structure—and should always aim to effectively remove plaque while maintaining gentle, consistent pressure. If someone is comfortable using a manual toothbrush and has a solid brushing technique, there’s no need to switch to an electric toothbrush.
Another growing cause of gum recession is cosmetic correction with clear aligners. While aligners can quickly and effectively straighten teeth, they’re often paired with fixed retainers (a type of wire bonded behind the teeth to keep them in place). Over time, this can cause the roots of the teeth to move out of the natural bone of the jaw, causing the gum tissue to recede away from the teeth.
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