Everything you need to know about receding gums
When it comes to oral health, many people often assume it’s all about the teeth. But there’s so much more to it. And one area of your mouth you should never ignore is your gums. Gum issues rarely cause pain or notable signs that something is wrong. Hence, it’s easy to overlook them. However, one tell-tale sign of gum issues is receding gums. According to Dr. Goldenhersh our dentist in Ladue Mo, receding gums is a condition where your gums pull back from the tooth surface, exposing more of the tooth or the tooth’s root. Gum recession is not something you want to ignore. If left untreated, this condition can lead to tooth sensitivity, a change in the tooth structure, and tooth loss in the most severe cases. With that said, you should consult a dentist as soon as you suspect your gums are receding. To help you learn more about the condition, here’s everything you should know about receding gums.
Causes of gum recession
There are several causes of receding gums. The most serious cause is periodontal disease, otherwise known as gum disease. However, you may develop gum recession due to:
- Poor oral hygiene.
- Old age.
- Medical conditions like diabetes.
- Over Brushing over a long period of time.
- Tooth trauma, for instance, from a sports injury.
- Tobacco use.
Symptoms of receding gums
It’s not always easy to establish that your gums are receding. In fact, a lot of people suffering from receding gums have no idea that they are. That’s one of the reasons why frequent dental check-ups are often recommended. People with receding gums may experience:
- Less gum tissue around the teeth.
- Bad breath.
- Swollen, red gums.
- Loose teeth.
- Gums that are visibly shrinking.
- Tooth sensitivity
Treatment of gum recession
You might not necessarily need treatment if your condition is mild. Chances are, your dentist will deep clean the affected area, offer you some prevention tips, and recommend frequent dental check-ups. During the deep cleaning procedure, your dentist will clean tartar and plaque from the surface of your teeth and the roots of your teeth. Generally, though, treatment is usually non-surgical, which could also involve the prescription of topical antibiotics, dental bonding, and orthodontics. For people with severe cases, gum recession surgery or gum grafting is usually recommended. The goal of this surgery is to restore lost gum tissue by taking it from somewhere else in the mouth and attaching it to the affected area. Once healed, this procedure can protect the exposed tooth and give you a more natural look.
The earlier you get diagnosed with gum recession, the better the outcome will be. Receding gums cannot grow back. But you can take steps to prevent it. If you are looking for a dentist in Ladue, Mo, Delmar Family Dental is the way to go. We have the experience and expertise to help you stay on top of your oral health and to ensure that your gums are in PERFECT condition. Get in touch with us today to book an appointment!