Do you know how to identify and what causes receding gums? Our simple guide will tell you everything you need to know about the common yet permanent condition.
Receding gums can be increasingly problematic as time goes on.
They can change from being a purely cosmetic concern to one that, in the worst cases, can affect the general health of the exposed tooth and the surrounding soft tissue.
So, how can you stop – or prevent – receding gums?
As the name suggests, gum recession is a condition that means that gum tissue is being pulled away from the teeth. This can make the teeth appear longer – which can be a cosmetic issue for some.
However, if the recession is allowed to progress, it can go on to show the lower sections of the tooth’s crown or even the roots beneath.
At this point, a dentist needs to step in, as you can lose the tooth without treatment.
As a gradual condition, many patients don’t notice that their gums are receding at all until it is either pointed out by a dental professional or until it progresses to a more serious point.
To see if you have receding gums, look for these common signs:
Teeth don’t grow longer as you age, so if you feel like your teeth are beginning to look extended, gum recession will be the reason.
As we’ve briefly touched on, if gum recession progresses, you may well start to see the roots of the teeth themselves.
Roots will be visible beneath the crown (upper visible section) of the tooth and can be a slightly different shape.
If you are experiencing pain, soreness, or even discomfort around the gum line, this could be a good sign that your gums are receding.
Exposed tooth roots and receding gums can be a good sign of periodontal (gum) disease, which often go hand-in-hand.
Sore, red, and puffy gums that bleed can be common signs of this so keep an eye out while eating hard foods and brushing.
If recession progresses and gum (periodontal) disease begins in the areas under the gum line and around the exposed tooth roots, pockets of bacteria can eat away at the soft tissues and bone, causing the teeth to loosen.
There are many causes of receding gums, but the most common include:
Because the causes of gum recession are so varied, it’s worth exploring the different ways to prevent receding gums so this doesn’t go on to affect you.
The easiest ways to prevent receding gums altogether – or stop it from progressing further
It is essential that you brush gently but effectively.
This means using a soft-bristled brush, holding it at a 45-degree angle, and brushing back and forth along the gum line at least twice per day for 2 minutes.
You should then floss at least once a day and use a mouthwash at another time in the day – for example, after lunch – to remove food debris.
Smoking is bad for you – we know this by now – but you may not know it’s very bad for the structures in the mouth and can contribute to the development of gum disease, gum recession, cavities, and staining.
Seeing a dentist regularly is an incredibly important step in oral hygiene – as well as stopping gum recession.
This will allow your dentist to spot the early signs of dental problems, from gum disease to receding gums.
Dentists can then give you tips on correcting these complications before they can progress too far or offer treatment to help.
Unfortunately, even if the factors causing gum recession stop, the gums will not grow back – they are permanently lost.
However, you can improve the appearance of gum recession with the following minor surgical interventions:
Where the gum is folded back so the dentist can better access and clean the roots of the tooth. Then, the gum is reattached snugly.
Which adds gum tissue to bring the gum line down.
During this procedure, a needle is used to make a tiny hole in your existing gum tissue. Then, instruments are used to loosen and expand the tissue, so it can replace what is lost.
Gum graft surgery works much like gum contouring but is more invasive and has a longer recovery period.
If you’ve noticed that your teeth are looking different to how you remember, either as a result of gum disease or gum recession, don’t be afraid to reach out to speak to us today.
We routinely treat generations of the same families, including those with severe dental problems and dental anxiety.
The team at Marlborough Dental Studio would be delighted to help you. You can book an appointment by calling us on 01672 516 184 or by emailing us at [email protected].
