Gum Recession Causes:

Some of the key causes of receding gums in Lafayette, LA, include:

• Bacterial infection in the mouth: Destroys gum tissue and supporting bone.
• Genetics: You may have not grown gums with adequate strength to support your teeth and resist the damage that can be inflicted over time. These "weak gums" can be stripped away more easily and lead to recession, sensitivity, and loss of teeth. Genetics also plays a big role in gum recession because some people are predisposed to developing gum disease no matter how much they brush or floss their teeth. This is important because inflamed gums are more fragile and recede more easily.
• How you brush your teeth: Brushing too hard can strip away your gums and wear down tooth enamel resulting in receding gums and damage to the teeth
• Lack of good dental hygiene: Excessive plaque can build up by not brushing and flossing your teeth enough, setting the stage for gum disease that causes bone loss and gum recession, and loss of teeth
• Changes in hormones: Fluctuating hormone levels in women can make gums inflamed, swollen, more sensitive, and more fragile, thus providing more risk of gum recession. 
• Tobacco use: Using any type of tobacco greatly increases your risk of gum recession, bone loss around the teeth, and mouth cancers. Tobacco use reduces the blood flow to the mouth, inhibits the immune system from working properly to protect you, and with dip and chew tobacco can actually scrub the gum away over time.
• Clenching or grinding teeth: Teeth can shift when too much pressure is not properly distributed throughout the mouth. This can lead to increased recession, increased bone loss, damage to the teeth, and shifting of teeth
• Misalignment or crooked teeth: A misaligned bite or crooked teeth prevents teeth from coming together evenly putting added pressure to gum and bone
• Lip or tongue rings:Can irritate gums, eventually wearing them down. They may even grab the gum and "cut it away"

That's why it is important to know the causes of receding gums in Lafayette, LA, to prevent it from happening or worsening. Gum recession can be a sign and symptom of gum disease, a dangerous condition that can cause tooth loss and has even been linked to serious medical problems such as heart attack, stroke, and cancer. Prevent further gum recession by being aware of what causes gum disease and seeing a dental professional for your treatment options.

Dr. James Finley in Lafayette, LA, may recommend The Pinhole Surgical Technique™, a minimally invasive procedure designed to repair gum recession without incisions or stitches.
Call to schedule a consultation with Dr. James Finley right away if you are concerned about receding gums!