3 Unusual Reasons For Receding Gums

If your gums are receding, it may be most likely due to gum disease, or gingivitis. Gum recession can also be accompanied by bleeding, inflammation, loose teeth, and toothaches. If your gums are receding, visit your dentist for a complete checkup and treatment, if necessary. However, while gum disease is the most common cause of gum recession, there are other, less common causes. Here are three unusual reasons for receding gums and what you can do about them:

Menopause

If you are nearing or already actively in menopause, your levels of estrogen will decline. Not only does estrogen play an important role in bone and cardiovascular health, but it also helps keep your gum tissue healthy. Women who have declining estrogen levels because of menopause or certain health conditions are at a heightened risk for periodontal disease and subsequent gum recession.

If your gums are receding, visit your physician to learn if estrogen replacement therapy may be an appropriate treatment for you. Not only does estrogen replacement therapy help relieve menopausal symptoms of hot flashes and night sweats, it can also help keep your gums healthy. If you have a personal or family history of gynecological cancers, estrogen therapy may not be appropriate for you because these cancers are often fueled by estrogen. 

Degenerative Bone Diseases

If you suffer from a degenerative bone disease such as osteoporosis or rheumatoid arthritis, changes in the bones that support your teeth can occur. You may also develop jaw changes and shifting teeth.

Degenerative bone diseases can also put you at risk for gum recession; however, once your bone disorder is under control, your gums may snap back to health. See your dentist if you have a bone disorder, because he or she may need to take X-rays or use other diagnostic imaging testing to evaluate the extent of your bone destruction.

Cigarette Smoking

Cigarette smoking not only has the potential to cause respiratory illnesses, but it can also take a toll on your oral health. People who smoke may be more likely to develop plaque and tartar on their teeth, and when excessive amounts of these substances accumulate, the gums can recede.

If you smoke, try quitting, or at least try cutting down. If you are unable to kick the habit on your own, make an appointment with your physician, who can recommend effective smoking cessation treatments such as nicotine replacement patches, biofeedback, support groups, and certain oral medications. Once you quite smoking, you will notice an improvement in the condition of your gums. 

If you have receding gums, work with both your dental professional and your family physician. When you work with both doctors, problems with your dental health and general health can be recognized and treated early on so that that further progression is less likely to occur. For more information, contact a local dental clinic like Apollo Dental Center.


Share