Causes of a Receding Gum Line

There are a few things that can cause a receding gum line. Anything that weakens the connection between the gums and the teeth can cause the gums to recede.

History

• Receding gums are more likely to develop as a person ages. The appearance of teeth is longer when the gums have receded, which brought about the phrase of "long in the tooth" being associated with old age.

Gum Disease

• Gums most commonly recede due to gum disease. The connective tissue that holds the teeth and gums together, as well as the teeth and jaw bone, are destroyed by bacteria. This leads to the gums not adhering to the teeth and receding.

Trauma

• Anytime something traumatic happens to disrupt the connective tissues in the mouth, such as a piercing or puncturing of the tissue, the gums may recede. This isn't as common as gum disease.

Brushing

• Brushing too hard can cause the gums to recede. Choose a brush with soft bristles and only brush along the gum line, not on the gums, to lessen the risk of this happening.

Smoking

• Smoking makes the mouth more hospitable to bacteria, which break down the connective tissue and can cause gums to recede.