Receding gums is a form of gum disease that occurs when the gums gradually pull away from a tooth, exposing its roots. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 45 percent of American adults ages 30 and older have some form of gum disease. If left untreated, receding gums can lead to tooth loss.
Receding gums is more common in men than women and is more common among those who live below the poverty level and among smokers. Keep reading to learn more about the causes, treatment, and prevention of receding gums.
?What is receding gums
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Gum recession occurs when the gum tissue surrounding a tooth or teeth recedes or erodes, exposing the tooth or its root. When this type of gum disease occurs, pockets or gaps form between the tooth and the gum line, allowing bacteria and disease to build up in the pockets. If ignored or not treated, the teeth and their skeletons can be severely damaged and may lead to tooth loss.
As mentioned earlier, gum recession is a common dental problem. Most cases of receding gums occur over time, making it difficult for people to notice them. Some of the common signs of receding gums are:
Tooth sensitivity.
The teeth are more extended than usual.
Feeling of cracks in the gums.
If you notice any warning signs, you should make an appointment with your dentist right away. Other symptoms to watch for are:
Red or swollen gums.
Bad breath.
Gum pain or bleeding.
loose teeth;
Chewing problems.
?what are the reasons
Although there are many different causes of receding gums, some play a role more than others. For example, your genes can put you at risk for receding gums. Studies show that more than 30 percent of the population is predisposed to gum disease based on genes, regardless of how much they care about their teeth.
Other risk factors include excessive brushing with bristles, exposure to other gum disease and hormonal changes (particularly in women), such as puberty, pregnancy, menopause, and use of oral contraceptives. Finally, inadequate dental care, such as not brushing or flossing properly and not visiting the dentist regularly, can lead to receding gums. When this happens, tartar can build up, causing a layer of plaque on your teeth that can only be removed with a professional cleaning.
smoking.
diabetic.
Pressure nervous.
crooked teeth
Latent immunodeficiency.
Defective fillings.
Medicines that can cause dry mouth.
Treating Receding Gums
Your dentist may treat a mild case of receding gums with a deep cleaning of the affected area. This cleaning is called a dental exfoliation and root planing. During cleaning, the plaque that has built up on the teeth and potential root surfaces is softened, making it more difficult for pathogenic bacteria to attach and infect the exposed pocket area of the gums.
In severe cases, there may be excessive bone loss, or the pockets may be too deep to clean, resulting in periodontal surgery. Depending on the damage caused, different surgeries may be used and selected based on your needs. For example, soft tissue grafting occurs when a dentist or periodontist cuts a piece of skin from the roof of the mouth, and tissue is removed from the bottom of the flap and placed around the exposed root(s). Another type of surgery that can be used is regeneration. This surgery is used when the bones supporting your teeth are destroyed. This results in your dentist or periodontist using some type of regenerative material, whether it's a membrane, tissue or protein, and applying it to the affected area, in the hope that your body will regenerate naturally.
Prevention of receding gums
Receding gums can be prevented with good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups. To do your part in preventing receding gums and other gum disease, be sure to brush and floss daily to remove the bacteria that cause gum disease. In addition, always use a soft-bristled toothbrush and be gentle when brushing. To learn about the correct way to care for your teeth, check out our blog, Brushing 101.
Other ways to prevent receding gums are:
Stop smoking if you are a smoker. You can learn more about the dangers of smoking to the teeth by reviewing our blog, Dental Risks Associated with Smoking.
Maintain and eat a balanced diet.
Watch for changes in your mouth.
Attention to oral and dental hygiene.