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.

What Do Dentists Look For in a Checkup

When most of us visit our dentist for a routine checkup, we often just think of a dental cleaning and x-rays. However, there’s another important feature of a dental checkup that is overlooked: an oral examination. Oral examinations give your dentist the chance to view what’s taking place inside of your mouth.

Checkups are great for both oral health and overall health!

Are you familiar with your dentist revealing the fact that you should be brushing and/or flossing more often? This is because your dentist saw signs of decay not only on your teeth, but your gums as well. Or perhaps you’ve been brushing too hard, resulting in receded gums. These are typical oral-related problems, but excellent oral exams go beyond just oral health.

Checkups Are Not Just About Oral Health

Oral examinations may also result in learning various conditions that your body is facing. There are certain symptoms of a wide variety of ailments and health conditions that have the possibility of showing up in our mouths during a dental checkup.

Pink or White Gums – if you are experiencing gums that do not appear to be their usual red color and are looking a bit paler, then your body may be facing a deficiency in iron. You should consult your medical doctor if this is the case.

Abscess – if you are suffering from abscesses at the root of any teeth or on your gums, then you could be diabetic. Those with diabetes have a higher risk of developing these types of abscesses because they cannot manage their blood sugar levels as well as those without diabetes.

Spots – red spots or even white spots may point to a possible autoimmune disorder such as Crohn’s disease or lupus. If the spots are accompanied by tenderness and pain, then you should consult your doctor for further accurate testing. Often times these sores respond to treatment.

Heart Issues – no conclusive results have been found, but many researchers have theorized that periodontal disease in associated with an increased risk of heart problems. Work with your dentist to help restore your gumsto a healthy state.

Growths – if you or your dentist ever spots small red growths on your gums and even between teeth, then you may be pregnant. These growths are called pregnancy tumors, are rare, and are actually NOT dangerous.

As we can see, oral examinations can be an alternative, indirect way to receive more information not just about the state of your oral health, but also your body’s overall health as well. Developing a good relationship with both your dentist and your medical doctor can keep you poised for the future.

Your family dentist in Las Vegas encourages everyone to follow the American Dental Association’s advice and visit his or her dentist twice per year, once every 6 months.