Not so long ago, as a young whippersnapper (smile), I used to wonder why older people always had the annoying habit of sucking and picking food from their teeth after they’d eaten.  I suppose it was better that than have food encrusted teeth on show. But why was it happening to them and not to me? It’s taken me all this time to get the answer as I find myself increasingly having to diligently floss or toothpick my teeth after every bite. The reason? Could it be the first stages of receding gums?!!! Well, I’m damn sure going to do something about it  before this affliction becomes obvious.

Receding Gums

Ok, I know, it sounds pretty scary and in some cases it is. Receding gums are a condition in which your gums pull back from the tooth surface and expose the root surfaces of your teeth. In extreme cases, this can result in the tooth falling out.

Good Dental Hygiene to prevent receding gums.

Yes, it surprised me that receding gums was a condition that could occur as a result of good dental hygiene. Thank goodness my teeth are in relatively good health, bar a few fillings, but years ago my dentist did advise me that the gums around one tooth were a little receded.

Bad, good hygiene

This was because I used an overly hard-bristled toothbrush and I brushed my teeth way too vigorously in an up and down motion. Since then, I’ve switched to using an electric toothbrush,  which I’m told cleans with more precision and less force (more on that in another post).

Aging 

The reason why receding gums are often viewed as a sign of aging is that it’s often the result of wear and tear of years of aggressive tooth brushing.

Poor Dental Hygiene 

Obviously infrequent or no brushing at all can also lead to receding gums. Plus, a build-up of plaque can cuse gingivitis (inflamed gums), and ultimately to periodontitis (receding gums and bone loss).