Receding gums are when the tissue that covers your teeth pulls away from them, exposing more of the tooth roots. This can cause sensitivity, pain, and can even lead to infection and tooth loss.
Gum recession is a common problem, caused by many factors. However, it can be easily treated with proper dental care.
Causes
Receding gums are a dental condition that can cause pain and sensitivity. Fortunately, they are very common and can usually be treated.
Most people who have receding gums have them due to periodontal disease. This is a serious gum disease that affects the support structures that hold your teeth in place. When bacteria invade your mouth and the tissues that are attached to your teeth, the inflammation and bacterial infection cause your gums to bleed and become red and swollen.
It can also lead to loose teeth and bone loss. If left untreated, gum disease can progress to more severe forms of gum disease and tooth loss, which is known as periodontitis.
Some other causes of gum recession include brushing too hard, poor oral hygiene, and medical conditions such as diabetes, smoking, ill-fitting dentures, crooked teeth, or even trauma to the mouth such as piercings of the tongue or lips.
While there are many causes of gum recession, periodontal disease is the leading culprit. Gum disease is a chronic and progressive disorder that starts with gingivitis, which is inflammation of the gums and the tissues that surround your teeth. The plaque and bacteria from gingivitis destroy the attachment between your gums and the teeth, creating pockets that collect more bacteria.
The pockets can become so deep that your teeth start to move. This is a sign of gum disease that will need to be addressed by your dentist as soon as possible, and it may require surgery if the pockets are too deep or the gums have already lost too much bone and tissue.
You can avoid these problems by practicing proper oral health habits. Regular teeth cleaning and flossing is the best way to prevent periodontal disease. You should also use a soft toothbrush and be sure to rinse your mouth with antibacterial mouthwash.
In the meantime, you should visit your dentist for checkups and professional cleanings twice a year. During these visits, your dentist will remove any plaque and tartar that you might have missed during your daily brushing.
Your dentist can recommend ways to treat your receding gums, including scaling and root planing. This procedure focuses on removing all of the plaque and tartar from both above and below your gum line. In some cases, gum grafting is recommended to replace the missing tissue and bone around your teeth.
Symptoms
Receding gums occur when the gum tissue pulls away from the tooth exposing more of the root of the tooth. This can lead to gaps in the gums and teeth which allow bacteria to gather in and can cause gum disease, tooth decay and even tooth loss.
Gum recession is most common in adults 40 years or older but signs of it can appear at any age. People who smoke, have a family history of receding gums, or who are taking medications that cause dry mouth are more likely to develop this condition.
While receding gums can be painful and unsightly, it is not a life-threatening issue. It can be treated with various treatments, including deep cleaning and gum grafts.
If you are noticing bleeding after brushing or flossing or have noticed that your gums have started to look smaller, it may be time for a visit with your dentist. Your dentist can determine if you have a more severe case of gum disease, and recommend a treatment plan that will help restore your smile.
One of the most common causes of receding gums is periodontal (gum) disease. In this condition, inflammation of the gums occurs, causing the gums to redden and bleed and to pull back from the teeth. The infection can also lead to the destruction of the tissue that supports the teeth and bone.
A healthy diet, good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups are all important for preventing the development of receding gums. If you already have gum disease, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics or surgery to treat the condition.
Symptoms of receding gums include bad breath, swollen or red gums and pain in the teeth or gum line. You may also notice that your teeth seem longer than normal or that you have a notch where the gum meets the tooth.
Getting treatment for gum recession is not only an effective way to prevent further damage, but it can also save you money by avoiding costly and complicated dentistry procedures down the road. In addition, it will ensure your teeth remain strong and healthy.
Treatment
Gum recession is a common dental issue, affecting both adults and children. It occurs when the gum line pulls back, exposing more of your tooth’s roots. It also can lead to other problems, including tooth decay and infection.
The first step is identifying the extent of your gum recession and discussing the possible options with your dentist. Treatment for receding gums may include deep cleaning, tissue grafting or surgery to repair the damage.
Receding gums can be caused by many things, including bad habits such as smoking and grinding or clenching your teeth. Fortunately, you can prevent further receding by practicing good oral health habits and getting regular dental checkups and cleanings.
A lack of brushing and flossing can lead to plaque buildup that is hard to remove and leads to tartar, which can damage your teeth and gums. A biannual dental cleaning and checkup will remove this and other plaque to help keep your mouth healthy.
Another cause of gum recession is periodontal disease, also known as gum disease. This is a chronic, destructive condition that can eat away at the tissues and bone around your teeth.
Symptoms of periodontal disease include bleeding, redness or swelling in your gums. If left untreated, these conditions can erode the gum tissue and cause gum recession.
It can also create “pockets” between your teeth and gums that allow bacteria to enter. This causes the bacteria to eat away at your tissue and bone.
Reducing your risk of receding gums includes brushing your teeth with a soft-bristle toothbrush and flossing daily. In addition, biannual dental cleanings and checkups are a great way to identify early signs of periodontal disease and treat them before they develop.
In addition, avoiding chewing tobacco and other harmful habits such as tongue and lip piercings can help protect your gums from gum disease and tooth loss.
Gum disease is a serious and potentially life-threatening problem that is largely preventable with good dental care. Your dentist can identify gum disease, remove any tartar that causes the condition and treat it before it progresses. They can also advise you on ways to prevent the problem from occurring again, such as using a toothpaste with fluoride or a daily specialist gum health toothpaste like Corsodyl Complete Protection.
Prevention
Receding gums are a sign of periodontal disease, and they can lead to other problems like tooth sensitivity, infection, and even tooth loss. The best way to prevent receding gums is by maintaining good oral health. This includes keeping up with your oral hygiene routine and visiting your dentist regularly for regular check-ups.
Brushing your teeth and flossing twice a day will keep plaque and food debris from building up in the spaces between your teeth and gums. It also gets rid of bacteria and helps protect against periodontal disease.
In a healthy mouth, the gum line is consistent around all your teeth and appears pink. If you have gum recession, the gums may appear inflamed or red and appear to be ‘pulling’ away from your teeth. This is often a sign of periodontal disease and should be addressed immediately by your dentist.
Other factors that can cause gums to recede include:
Hormonal changes (puberty, menopause) – Female hormones change during these times and this can make the gum tissue more sensitive and vulnerable to developing inflammation.
Smoking – Smoking can have a negative effect on your oral health as it can increase the amount of plaque and tartar on your teeth.
Crooked or misaligned teeth – Teeth that are crooked or don’t come together correctly can put extra pressure on the gums, which can lead to them to recede.
Injury – A recent abrasion or trauma to the gums such as when you have a cut or nail pierced could be another reason for receding gums.
Other causes include:
Poor oral health – Not keeping up with your oral health care routine by not brushing and flossing can lead to plaque and bacteria build up, which can result in gum disease.
Gums are the soft tissue that encase the teeth, roots and bone in your mouth. They are also important for your overall health as they help keep the jawbone strong and support the teeth.
It is important to maintain your oral health so that you can enjoy a long and healthy life. The key to that is to brush your teeth and floss regularly, avoid smoking, and visit your dentist for regular checkups.