Another recent question asked via the Dental Expert App.

What does it mean to have receding gums? What can be done for this?

There are a few reasons why one might develop receding gums. One way is by using an improper brushing technique (i.e. brushing in an up and down or circular motion with a manual brush, rather than with small, vibratory strokes on a 45 degree angle). Another reason involves using a brush that has harder bristles or that is frayed and overdue for being replaced, which can traumatize the gums. Sometimes there may be high muscle attachments (attaching the inner part of the lips to the gums), which pull down on the gum tissue over time as one speaks, smiles, eats, etc. Additionally, gums can recede as a result of periodontal disease, due to the bone loss beneath.

While the gum tissue may not grow back on its own, there are a few things one can do to help prevent gums from receding further. Among the suggestions are:

• Use an electric brush

• If using a manual brush make sure to use soft bristles

• Use the proper brushing and flossing technique

• Consider re-attaching the muscle attachments so that they are not pulling down on the gums (frenectomy).

• See your dental provider frequently to avoid developing periodontal disease (gum disease)

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