If you suddenly experience tooth sensitivity when eating cold or hot foods, this could be a symptom of gum thinning. This occurs when the gum tissue around the mouth recedes and exposes more of your teeth. You should seek treatment for this issue right away from a trustworthy, experienced dental care specialist so you can find the best solution for you and your needs.
At Union City Oral Surgery Group, we always put our patients first. We understand that the dentist and dental treatments can be intimidating, but our caring team always ensures you are comfortable and safe. With our new technology and painless procedures, you can trust us to take the best care of you and always have your best interests in mind. Our professional team can also help you determine the cause of your thinning gums to prevent them from worsening.
7 Potential Causes of Gum Thinning
Your gums may recede for several reasons, some of which you can control and some of which may be genetic. Potential reasons that gum thinning may occur include the following:
Periodontal Disease
This is the leading cause of receding gums. It is a bacterial infection that wears away at your gums and teeth. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 47.2% of adults over 30 have periodontal disease in some form. This typically starts as gingivitis with symptoms like red, swollen, and bleeding gums. Periodontal disease may result from poor brushing habits, smoking, and other medical conditions.
Age
Your gums often naturally thin with age. This exposes more of your teeth, making them more sensitive. We can help you come up with solutions to slow this process and reduce your risk of extensive damage to your gums.
Harsh Brushing
You may assume that applying extra pressure when brushing and flossing your teeth makes them cleaner, but you could actually damage your gums. Brushing or flossing your teeth too hard can wear away at your enamel, which could also cause gum thinning.
Irregular Dental Visits
One of the only ways to thoroughly remove the plaque and tartar from your teeth is to see a dentist regularly. If you do not do this, you risk letting the buildup wear away at your gums and teeth, which could lead to extensive damage.
Hormonal Changes
If you are in going through puberty, pregnancy, or menopause, you may notice your gums thinning. This could result from the fluctuations in hormones that occur during these times. Hormonal change can cause further sensitivity and gum disease, so you should see a dentist immediately if you experience any issues with your gums or teeth.
Smoking
Smoking poses many risks to your body, including your oral health. When you smoke tobacco, particles can stick to your teeth and cause tartar buildup, which eats away at your gums and causes them to recede.
Genetics
Sometimes, no matter how well you take care of your teeth, your genetics make you more susceptible to gum recession. Our devoted specialists can help you figure out if this is the root cause of your gum thinning and develop a treatment plan for your unique needs.
Consult a Talented New Jersey Specialist About Your Gum Thinning at Union City Oral Surgery Group
With thinning gums, you may have trouble eating the foods you once enjoyed or feel consistent discomfort. With the help of our reliable and understanding specialists at Union City Oral Surgery Group, you can get the treatment you deserve. We always put our patients first and use your oral history to develop a unique treatment plan. If you need surgery to fix your thinning gums, we also offer safe sedation services for our procedures so you can feel comfortable.
Our attentive specialists provide unmatched services with our state-of-the-art technology. If you see signs of your gums thinning, call (908) 663-5309 or fill out our contact form to learn more about treatment.
