Signs Your Gums Are Receding

 

Receding gums are an incredibly common problem that can be indicative of generally poor dental health. In some very serious cases, this issue can ultimately lead to tooth loss and other major health issues of the mouth.

 

More mild forms of receding gums will affect most people at some point in their lives. Because of this, it's good to stay apprised of the signs that this issue is occurring when consulting with your dentist in Arcadia. 

Signs Your Gums Are Receding

If you’re experiencing receding gums, or would just like to see what the signs are so that you can keep an eye out for this issue, take a look at this primer that describes some of the common signs to be wary of.

 

What Is Gum Recession?

Gum recession occurs when the gums become worn out, exposing the root of the teeth. This can lead to sensitivity, pain and make the teeth more vulnerable to further issues. Tooth and bone loss are quite real possibilities down the line is the decay goes on unaddressed.

 

Causes of Gum Recession

There are many causes of gum recession. Some of the most common ones include:

 

· Using hard-bristled tooth brushes

· Extensive plaque build-up

· Periodontal gum disease

· Misaligned teeth

· Damage from poorly-performed dental work

· Heredity and predisposition

· Smoking and tobacco use

· Brushing too hard for extended periods

 

When you consult with your dentist, you should be able to discuss with your dentist what they think might be the source of your own gum recession. It may be any one of the above or a combination of multiple sources.

 

Symptoms of Gum Recession

 

Just as numerous as the causes of gum recession are its symptoms. Some of these include:

 

· Sensitivity to cold and heat

· A change in the appearance of your teeth

· Bleeding after brushing or flossing

· Halitosis (bad breath)

· Loose or brittle feeling teeth

 

Many individuals will not even experience symptoms, and may remain unaware of the fact that their gums are receding until symptoms begin to appear.

 

Treating Gum Recession

 

A sad fact about gum recession is that once it occurs, it's unfortunately permanent. The good news is that you can take preventative measures to make sure that your gums don’t recede any further.

 

The specific treatment of your gum disease will depend on the underlying nature of the disease. For example, if you have some kind of infection, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics. If you have bacteria in between the spaces where your gums are receding, a deep cleaning procedure may be performed.

 

Sometimes, surgery is required by an oral surgeon to remove bacteria that are lodged under your gums or to replace missing gum tissue. Surgeries that are utilized for this purpose include flap surgery and gum grafting.

 

Flap surgery involves gum tissue cleaning to rid the gums of bacteria and tartar. Gum grafting involves placing a piece of synthetic material or healthy gum tissue from another part of your mouth onto the affected roots. The intent of this surgery is to protect sensitive tooth roots.

 

Preventing Gum Recession

 

The most fool-proof way to prevent gum recession is to brush your teeth consistently and gently with a soft-bristle toothbrush. Doing this twice a day, along with other oral hygiene techniques, can prevent gum disease, which is one of the primary causes of gum disease.

 

Staying consistent with your biannual dental cleanings can also give you a one-up in terms of preventing the deterioration of your gums. Catching deterioration early will increase your chances of preventing gum disease from progressing to the point that you will need surgery.

 

Schedule an Appointment With Your Dental Professional

Consulting with your dentist will help you to identify the source of your receding gums. You’ll also be able to receive a referral for further treatment if the recession of your gums has reached a severe stage that will require some kind of surgical intervention.

 

Communicating with your dentist about your oral health history, as well as your concerns regarding your current oral health, will give your dentist a stronger picture of your health profile moving forward. This can increase your chances of having stronger results with whatever solution is devised for reversing your receding gums. So don’t hesitate to take the initiative.

 

The Dentist People Trust in Arcadia

Smiles of Arcadia prides itself on providing the people of Arcadia the finest quality dental work available. If you’re interested in finding out how you can prevent gum disease, or are looking to receive treatment for a case that has become exacerbated, contact our office today and set up an appointment.