There are many things that can irritate your gums. When they are irritated, they can shift and move away from the teeth, exposing the roots. This can cause sensitivity, an unattractive smile, and even a lowered self-esteem. If you have receding gums in Key West, Florida, our dentist, Dr. Sandy Pape, and our dental team are happy to share some of the reasons why this is the case and the things you can do to help the situation.
The first thing that might be causing your receded gums is an aggressive oral hygiene routine. Usually, a rough brushing technique harms the oral tissues the most. So, make sure you are using the proper type of brush while you scrub (it should be a soft-bristled toothbrush). It’s also important to stop brushing so hard.
The second thing is the excessive use of whitening strips. Over-the-counter whitening strips have a strong whitening solution, and if the solution touches the gums, it can irritate them and make them shrivel away from the teeth. This is especially true if you use many treatments. The best thing you can do is stop using the treatments and talk to your dentist about the best cosmetic treatment for your smile.
The third thing is gum disease. Gum recession is a big sign of gum disease. Red, swollen, and bleeding gums are also big signs of gum disease. So, if you have these symptoms, it’s important to schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible.
For more information and details, or to schedule an appointment, please call Isle Smile at 305-293-1660 and talk to a member of our dental team. We are here to help you and your gums in any way that we can, and we look forward to your phone call!