WHY DO GUMS RECEDE? Aggressive tooth brushing: If you brush your teeth too hard or the wrong way, it can cause the enamel on your teeth to wear away and your gums to recede. Insufficient dental care: Inadequate brushing, flossing, and rinsing with antibacterial mouthwash makes it easy for plaque to turn into calculus (tartar)-a hard substance that builds on and between your teeth and can only be removed by a professional dental cleaning. It can lead to gum recession. Hormonal changes: Fluctuations in female hormone levels during a woman's lifetime, such as in puberty, pregnancy, and menopause, can make gums more sensitive and more vulnerable to gum recession. Tobacco products: Tobacco users are more likely to have sticky plaque on their teeth that is difficult to remove and can cause gum recession. Grinding and clenching your teeth: Clenching or grinding your teeth can put too much force on the teeth, causing gums to recede. Crooked teeth or a misaligned bite: When teeth do not come together evenly, too much force can be placed on the gums and bone, allowing gums to recede. Body piercing of the lip or tongue: Jewelry can rub the gums and irritate them to the point that gum tissue is worn away. Presented as a service to the community by Dr. Barbara Webster 1121 Warren Ave., Suite 130, Downers Grove, IL 60515 630-663-0554 SM-CL 1886652 WHY DO GUMS RECEDE? Aggressive tooth brushing: If you brush your teeth too hard or the wrong way, it can cause the enamel on your teeth to wear away and your gums to recede. Insufficient dental care: Inadequate brushing, flossing, and rinsing with antibacterial mouthwash makes it easy for plaque to turn into calculus (tartar)-a hard substance that builds on and between your teeth and can only be removed by a professional dental cleaning. It can lead to gum recession. Hormonal changes: Fluctuations in female hormone levels during a woman's lifetime, such as in puberty, pregnancy, and menopause, can make gums more sensitive and more vulnerable to gum recession. Tobacco products: Tobacco users are more likely to have sticky plaque on their teeth that is difficult to remove and can cause gum recession. Grinding and clenching your teeth: Clenching or grinding your teeth can put too much force on the teeth, causing gums to recede. Crooked teeth or a misaligned bite: When teeth do not come together evenly, too much force can be placed on the gums and bone, allowing gums to recede. Body piercing of the lip or tongue: Jewelry can rub the gums and irritate them to the point that gum tissue is worn away. Presented as a service to the community by Dr. Barbara Webster 1121 Warren Ave., Suite 130, Downers Grove, IL 60515 630-663-0554 SM-CL 1886652