Receding Gums In 20s

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Are you experiencing receding gums in 20s?

If you are still in your twenties but are already experiencing receding gums, it is fair to say you have a problem on your hands.

Fortunately, though, receding gums is a problem that can be dealt with, provided that you don’t stick your head in the sand but instead take immediate action.

Is it normal to have receding gums in your 20s?

Most of us associate gum recession with old age, but it is far from young adults to experience gum recession.

Causes of receding gums in young adults

If your stress levels are currently through roof and you are subsisting on a poor diet and barely feel like you have time for proper brushing and flossing, you now have a clear idea of where you can start improving.

Of course, you may still need the help of a dentist or a dental hygienist. If the primary reason for your receding gum line is poor oral hygiene, the first order of the day should be to get a professional deep tissue cleaning done. You may also need a curse of antibiotics to help you bring any inflammation under control. If restorative gum surgery is needed to replace missing gum tissue, this can only be achieved once the root cause of the problem

Poor oral hygiene

Good oral hygiene is your strongest line of defence against gum disease and gum recession. It follows that, if your oral hygiene is poor, gum recession occurs without exception.

Smoking

If your gums are receding and you are a smoker, your nicotine habit could have something to do with it.

The reason why smoking is a leading cause of gum disease and tissue recession is that smokers develop more dental plaque, which leaves them more vulnerable to tissue inflammation and recession, as well as tooth decay.

Diabetes

Diabetes, unfortunately, can contribute to gum tissue recession. Diabetes can cause bone structure and gum tissue loss over time.

If diabetes is causing your gums to recede, the best thing you can do is control the external factors. For example, if you have diabetes and high stress levels, work on reducing your stress. If you have diabetes and you eat poorly, work on improving your diet.

Stress

Stress can wreck havoc on many aspects of life, including your physical health.

Long-term stress, in particular, has been linked to immune system weakness, as well as a variety of other negative health effects, such as an increased risk of developing gun disease and gum recession.

Poor nutrition

Poor nutrition is behind a lot of health problems, and receding gums are no exception. If your diet lacks the vital vitamins and minerals your body needs, it could cause your gums to pull back over your teeth roots.

Some of the most important vitamins and minerals for gum tissue and teeth include Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Phosphorus and Calcium.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy may be the only way to achieve one of your life’s greatest desires – motherhood – but it can also be taxing on the body.

One unintended consequence of pregnancy is an increased risk of gum disease and gum recession.

Genetics

Yes, unfortunately receding gums can be inherited as part of your genetic makeup.

Symptoms of receding gums

If you have receding gums, you’ll know by spotting the following symptoms:

Heightened sensitivity

If your teeth are suddenly feeling extra sensitive, this could be a sign of gum recession.

Exposed tooth roots

If your tooth roots are suddenly on show, this is a clear, visual symptom of gum disease and gum recession.

Teeth that appear to have grown longer

Even if you can’t see your tooth roots, it may appear that some of your teeth have grown longer. This is nothing more than an optical illusion caused by gum recession. As your gums recede, more of your teeth become visible.

Red, swollen or bleeding gums

If your gums are red, swollen, or irritated, or if they bleed frequently, especially when you brush them, this could be an indication of gum disease or gum recession.

Final thoughts on gum recession in your 20s

Are your gums receding?

The tell-tale signs of gum recession are laid out in this article. If they apply to you, the best thing you can do is to set up an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. While gum recession is hardly an emergency, it is nevertheless important to start taking action to prevent receding gums from getting worse.

The most aggravating aspect of gum disease and gum recession is that a receded gum line will never grow back. However, you can at least prevent it from worsening, and if necessary, you can receive reparative treatment, usually through surgical intervention.

As with so many other diseases and conditions, the best cure is prevention. To prevent receding gums, arm yourself with knowledge about what causes gum recession so that you’re in control, at least to some extent.

While genetics and other health factors like diabetes can play a role, the majority of the known underlying causes of gum tissue recession, such as your oral hygiene, diet, and stress levels, are all within your control.

Frequently asked questions

Can you get receding gums in your 20s?

Receding gums can happen at any age. Being young is no guarantee of perfect oral health.

Why do I have receding gums at 20?

The most common causes of gum disease and gum recession in young adults are poor oral hygiene, smoking, stress, diabetes, poor nutrition, and pregnancy. Genetic factors outside of your control may also be at work.

Can slightly receding gums grow back?

No.

The unsettling reality is that gums never grow back after they recede. This is why it is so important to take good care of your gums by practising good oral hygiene, eating a well-balanced diet, and otherwise doing everything possible to protect your gum health.

While it is not possible to make receded gum tissue grow back, receding gums can be treated and prevented from worsening. Lost gum tissue can also be recovered surgically, in which an oral surgeon removes tissue from the roof of your mouth and transplants it to the area where the gum tissue was lost.

Can you get periodontal disease in your 20s?

Yes, it is absolutely possible to get periodontal disease as well as receding gums while you are still in your 20s.

At least, most of the factors that can lead to gum recession are under your control because they’re all lifestyle habits. They include poor oral hygiene habits, poor nutrition, smoking and stress.

Dr Febin Mary George - Editor

With more than 10 years as a dental surgeon, Dr Febin Mary George is passionate about educating consumers around the world to help look after their teeth.

She completed her Bachelor of Surgery at the Century Institute of Dental Science and Research Centre in 2010.

Alongside editing the International Journal of Dental Clinics she has also written for major publications including Thrive Global.