As we get older, oral health becomes more challenging to maintain. And as it gets harder to keep your gums in proper health, you may see your gums receding. However, it is not necessarily a given that your gums will be receding at any given age.
Receding Gums Increases with Age
A study of about 10,000 people found that overall receding gums seemed to increase with age. The study found that from age 30-39, about 38% of individuals had receding gums. This increased to 71% for people aged 50-59, and was more than 90% for people age 80-89.
Initially, women had much lower rates of receding gums, but by age 40, the rates become about the same. We’re not sure if this is related to different oral health care habits during youth or other factors.
Receding gums also tend to be more serious with age. From age 30-39, only about 10% of those with receding gums have more than 4 mm of recession, but this increases to 24% by age 50-59, and 35% by age 70-7
Receding Gums Make You Look Old
Because receding gums almost universally increases with age, receding gums can make you look older, as well as less healthy. When people see receding gums in your mouth, they may revise estimates of your age upward, which is exactly what you don’t want.
To avoid this, preventing receding gums is your best option.
How to Prevent Receding Gums
There are many potential causes of receding gums. Follow these tips to avoid them:
- Quit smoking–smoking is very bad for your gums
- See your dentist–gum disease can lead to receding gums. Prevent it with regular checkups.
- Brush gently–brushing too hard can lead to receding gums
- Get good nutrition–some nutrients can help your gums hold to your teeth. If you are eating a healthy, balanced diet, you are more likely to have healthy gums.
- Don’t get oral piercings or don’t wear jewelry–these can cause damage to your gums
- Get teeth straightened–crooked teeth can subject your teeth to irregular force, which can injure gums, and they can be harder to clean, increasing your risk of gum disease
It’s also worth noting that some people have stronger gums than others. If you have a family history of receding gums, it’s important to take better care of your gums to prevent their loss.
If you want to learn more about preventing receding gums, please call (610) 272-0828 today for an appointment at Dental Excellence of Blue Bell.
