STOP RECEDING GUMS FROM GETTING WORSE

Gum recession winston salem nc can cause a number of problems if left untreated. Loss of gum tissue can lead to loss of bone structure in the affected area and eventually tooth loss. Recession is a very common issue and with proper care, can be slowed and restored by your dental professionals. Here, we will review the signs and symptoms associated with gum recession and discuss ways to prevent it from worsening.

Signs of Gum Recession

Gum recession is when your gums pull away from the tooth surface, exposing more tooth structure and even the root of the affected tooth. Recession can make your teeth appear longer and often occurs slowly over time. People over the age of 40 are more likely to develop periodontal disease, leading to gum recession. Since the process is slow, it often goes unnoticed until significant damage has already occurred. Commons symptoms that you may experience are:

• Bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth
• Red and swollen gums
• Pain and tenderness at the gum line
• Bleeding during or after brushing or flossing
• Sensitivity at the gum line due to exposed roots
• Loose teeth

Causes of Receding Gums

Gum recession has a number of causes, the number one culprit being periodontal disease. Other causes include:

• Aggressive brushing
• Smoking
• Diabetes and other medical conditions
• Tartar (hardened plaque) build up
• Clenching or grinding your teeth
• Dry mouth, medications that cause dry mouth
• Genetics

Stop Gum Recession

It is important to visit your dentist regularly so that your dental professional team is able to monitor the health of your gums. Your hygienist will periodically measure the pockets between your teeth and gums to make sure they are at a healthy depth, between one and three millimeters. If you are experiencing any symptoms of recession, be sure to discuss this with your hygienist and dentist.

If your dentist determines that you are suffering from periodontal disease, they may recommend a treatment called scaling and root planing to remove bacteria and infection from under the gum line. During this procedure, you will see your hygienist in two to three visits. An anesthetic will be administered to one side of your mouth and your hygienist will proceed to remove plaque and tartar build up from not only the tooth surfaces but also the root surfaces. If necessary, an antibiotic chip can be placed in any pockets that could benefit from further therapy.

If your periodontal disease and gum recession are significant, your dentist may refer you to a Periodontist, a dental professional who specializes in the treatment of the gums. It may be necessary for you to undergo gum surgery to restore the area. Your Periodontist will discuss the treatment options with you. Gums do not regrow on their own so it is important to follow through with your recommended treatment to avoid possibly losing teeth.

Conclusion

Catching periodontal disease early can greatly increase the chances of restoration and prevent further damage. Proper oral hygiene and visiting your dentist for professional cleanings at least every six months is crucial to early detection. If you are susceptible to periodontal disease, your dentist may suggest that you have professional cleanings more frequently. Six months is the norm but if you would benefit from a cleaning every three to four months, you could be better off in the long run. A couple more cleanings each year is much cheaper than losing a tooth and needing an implant or denture.

More information on Gum Recession : Gum Recession Treatment