When one suffers from gum disease, you’re likely to experience something known as gum recession. Gum recession is a condition caused by diseases where the gums pull from the back of the teeth. Your gums will no longer show a natural pink color and is a sign that your gum health is degrading.
Gum disease can range from mild to severe. When your gums recede, then you’re likely to be suffering from an advanced stage of gum disease, called periodontal disease. When gums recede, bacteria can penetrate within your gums and further back into your bloodstream, causing further hidden health dangers.
What are the causes and symptoms of gum disease and gum disease treatment? Let’s take a look.
Symptoms Of Receding Gums
The following symptoms owe to receding gums:
- Red and swollen gums
- Excess bleeding after brushing your teeth
- Halitosis (also known as bad breath)
- Sensitivity in the gum line
- Exposure of your tooth roots
Causes of Receding Gums
If your gums begin to recede, then its likely to be due to the following causes:
- Brushing teeth – either through incorrect technique or brushing teeth too hard
- Regular smoking – smoking cigarettes contains chemicals from tobacco that can damage your gums. Learn more here about how smoking damages teeth.
- Teeth grinding – grinding teeth during sleep can cause wear-and-tear but also impacts your gum health
- Medical conditions – conditions such as diabetes can damage blood vessels in the gums, meaning your gums are likely to get infected.
Can You Reduce Gum Recession?
This depends on how advanced your gums have receded. If they’ve reached an advanced stage, then this may be irreversible and you’ll need to consult the dentist quickly to determine the next steps. The impact of gum recession can be reduced by performing the right oral hygiene steps.
Below outlines how you can reduce gum recession.
- Brush Your Teeth Gently With Correct Technique – Placing your brush on your teeth without applying the correct technique will still leave traits of harmful bacteria. You shouldn’t brush your teeth hard either, rather gently and softly in a circular motion. If you want further information on the correct technique, consult your dentist.
- Wear A Mouthguard – If you suffer from teeth grinding, wearing a dental mouthguard while you sleep will leave a gap between the upper and lower roof of your teeth, protecting your gums and reducing pressure on the jaw.
- Resolve Any Loose Dentures And Fillings – Bacteria can penetrate your gums if fillings and dentures fall out. Consult your dentist as soon as possible to get them replaced.
- Gum Contouring – Gum contouring is a procedure that helps reduce receding gums by taking tissue from the roof of your mouth to cover the exposed area.
- Stop Smoking – If you smoke, then reduce your intake initially before stopping altogether.
If you’re showing signs of gum recession, we at Ashwood Dental Surgery are ready and willing to restore your gum health. All you need to do is contact us here to get started.
