Gum Disease Treatment Houston

Is It Dangerous To Have Receding Gums?

When things in your body change, one of the first things you may think about is if the change will cause a problem. You worry that the change is dangerous to your health. That is normal We all want to lie with as few health problems as possible.

We also need to know when to seek out help for a health issue and when it is no big deal. If you notice that you have receding gums, you should consider what the answer to the question of is it dangerous is.

Understanding Gum Recession

There are many different causes of receding gums. It can happen in different ways. Because of this, the dangers associated with receding gums varies. One of the causes is getting older. Other causes include poor oral hygiene habits, excessive brushing, teeth grinding, use of tobacco products and dental restorations that do not fit properly.

Because of all the different causes of gum recession, the appearance will also differ. Some receding gums are localized to one area of the teeth. Others are spread throughout the entire mouth. This impacts how the receding gums will affect you.

What Are The Dangers?

No matter what the cause of receding gums, it is not something to ignore. Over time, it can cause a variety of problems. Some of the issues that receding gums leads to include:

  • Loose and lost teeth – As the gums recede, teeth will become loose or can fall out
  • Gaps between teeth and gums – The space left from the receding gums provides bacteria with a place to grow.
  • Cavities – As the bacteria grow, it can cause tooth decay and can lead to cavities.
  • Gingivitis – The bacteria and plaque that the receding gums allow to grow can lead to gingivitis.
  • Gum Disease – If left untreated, the bacteria, plaque and tartar can lead to gum disease.


The amount of problems you face from receding gums depends on how big the problem is and how well you take care of your teeth and gums. The best defense against long-term problems from receding gums is regular visits to the dentists to help keep your teeth and gums as healthy as possible.

For more information about this or any other dental question, contact the professionals at our office.