CAN RECEDING GUMS CAUSE SENSITIVE TEETH?^1,2,3

Receding gums are one of the leading causes of tooth sensitivity. This is because when gums begin to recede they can leave the soft dentine inside your tooth exposed. Dentine is full of millions of tiny holes that lead directly to the nerve at the centre of the tooth. When you eat or drink something cold, hot, sweet or sour this stimulus can trigger the nerve causing that short, sharp shock of sensations.

WHAT CAUSES RECEDING GUMS?

The most common cause of receding gums is gum disease. Gum disease is caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that builds on and around teeth⁴. If this isn’t removed with regular brushing, it can lead to bleeding gums and you may experience gums receding from around the teeth.⁴
Brushing overly aggressively or more frequently than your dentist recommends can also cause gum recession.⁵

HOW TO PREVENT RECEDING GUMS AND SENSITIVE TEETH

The best thing to do to protect against sensitive teeth and receding gums is to consult your dentist. If you feel any sensations in your teeth and gums a dental professional can offer advice on how to treat them.

IMPORTANCE OF GOOD ORAL HYGIENE

A routine of brushing twice daily with a Sensodyne toothpaste, for sensitive teeth, can help ease the discomfort caused by tooth sensitivity, keep teeth clean and prevent cavities.
Sensodyne Rapid Relief offers fast relief and works in just 60 seconds^*,6. There is a full range of Sensodyne oral health products so you can find the right one to suit your needs.

*When used as directed on pack
¹Smith R G. Gingival recession Reappraisal of an enigmatic condition and a new index for monitoring. J Clin Periodontol.1997; 24: 201-205.
²Addy M, Smith S R. Dentin hypersensitivity: an overview on which to base tubule occlusion as a management concept. J Clin Dent. 2010: 21(2) [Spec Iss]; 25-30.
³Markowitz, K. The original desensitisers: strontium and potassium salts. J Clin Dent. 2009; 20(5) [Spec Iss]: 145-151.
⁴Urmc.rochester.edu. (2019). How to Keep Your Gums and Teeth Healthy - Health Encyclopedia - University of Rochester Medical Center. [online] Available at: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?ContentTypeID=1&ContentID=1409.
⁵Johnson, J. (n.d.). Gum Recession: Causes and Treatments. [Online] Johnson Dental Associates. Available at: http://www.ada.org/en/~/media/ADA/Publications/Files/ADA_PatientSmart_Gum_Recession.
⁶Mason S, Hughes N, Sufi F, Bannon L, Maggio B, North M, Holt J. A Comparative Clinical Study Investigating the Efficacy of a Dentifrice Containing 8% Strontium Acetate and 1040ppm Fluoride in a Silica Base and a Control Dentifrice Containing 1450 ppm Fluoride in a Silica Base to Provide Immediate Relief of Dentin Hypersensitivity. The Journal of Clinical Dentistry. 2010; 21(2): 42-48.