Exploring the Issue of Receding Gums: What are They?

A problem many people experience in their mouths is the issue of receding gums. Being a common problem, we feel a need to make sure the problem is outlined and understood in order to help you prevent and/or reverse receding gums.

What are Receding Gums?

Healthy gums lead to healthy smiles!

It’s all in the name: receding gums. This means our gums begin to pull away, or recede, from our teeth, potentially exposing more and more of a tooth’s root. When this occurs, patients will typically complain of increased tooth sensitivity to hot, cold, and sugary foods. Sensitivity is often described as a sudden sharp pain. In severe cases, eating foods becomes unbearable because of the pain experienced.

It’s an issue that occurs over a long period of time, often gradually until symptoms begin. The worse it becomes, the easier it is to detect. Those with receding gums will have teeth that appear longer than they should since their gums have pulled away.

Why are your Gums Receding?

You’re Brushing Too Hard

This is the most common reason why people suffer from receding gums: they are brushing too hard. This is why many dentists suggest “soft-bristled” toothbrushes – because they are softer on our gums. Having a soft-bristled toothbrush doesn’t mean we are safe from receding gums. If you brush too hard with a soft-bristled toothbrush, then you can still develop receding gums.

Quick tip: Before brushing, run your toothbrush over warm or hot water to soften it up and make it easier for your gums to handle.

You Haven’t Quit Smoking

Smoking poses many risks, and it should be no surprise that receding gums are one of them. Those who smoke suffer from a buildup of sticky plaque that irritates our gums and causes them to recede over time.

Gum Disease

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, can cause bacterial infections in our mouths that can destroy our gum tissue – leading to receded gums. Gum disease can be reversed if it’s treated early enough.

You’re Not Visiting Your Dentist

Tartar can cause gums to recede, as well as begin the process of gum disease. By not visiting your dentist, you are allowing tartar to build-up along your teeth. Tartar forms on your teeth when plaque hardens and cannot be removed at home. A professional dentist using special tools must remove tartar.

Healthy gums are an essential aspect of your mouth that can make or break your oral hygiene. For healthy gums, you should always stay consistent on brushing and flossing your teeth every morning and night, as well visit your dentist twice a year for a dental checkup and professional cleaning.

5 Most Common Dental Problems Adults Face

Children don’t have teeth that are invincible, but they are certainly a lot less prone to dental problems as their teeth are as new and fresh as they can be. As with anything, time will eventually takes it toll. The more we age, the more likely we will run into dental problems, some being a lot more common than others.

1. Tooth Decay

This is one of the main reasons we are told all the time to brush and floss our teeth every single: to prevent tooth decay. Tooth decay is generally the starting point for a large majority of dental problems that exist.

2. Gum Disease

Gum disease is the beginning stage of something a lot of adults face: periodontal disease. Next time you’re in your dentist’s comfortable chair, pay attention to your numbers that are read out loud which will give you insight on where you stand in regards to periodontal disease.

3. Oral Cancer

We aren’t saying you will face oral cancer sometime in your life, but it is one of most common cancers that people face. If you’re curious as to whether or not you are experiencing symptoms, then ask your dentist for an oral cancer screening.

4. Bad Breath

This is a common dental problem people face, usually without knowing the cause. Of course, some foods will leave your breath real stinky – such as onions for instance – but other times you’ll wonder why your breath stinks, that’s if you can even detect this scenario in the first place. More often than not someone has to point out this embarrassing scenario to you.

5. Discolored Teeth

This is another very common problem adults face, which is why teeth whitening procedures have become so popular over the years. Teeth whitening procedures can be done in your dentist’s office for faster results.   

Of course the best way to prevent any dental problem, common or not, is to stay on top of your dental hygiene game by following common dental protocol of brushing twice a day an flossing at least once (you should floss after every meal, but if you can’t then nighttime works best).