There are two common causes of receding gums. One cause is brushing your teeth and gums too hard. Since your gums are made of soft tissue that is very sensitive, brushing too hard can cause damage to this tissue. Using soft bristled toothbrush and brushing in an easy, circular motion can alleviate this problem. If you use an electric toothbrush, just let the toothbrush do the brushing.
Another cause, which is the most common, is gum disease. Bacteria can irritate the gums and inflame them. If this goes unchecked, the tissue can erode away and cause the gums to look pulled away from the teeth. Therefore, you can easily tell something is wrong. You may also have noticeably sensitive teeth, especially to hot or cold foods or drinks.
Even though you always have bacteria in your mouth, a buildup can still occur. Your body produces saliva as a natural defense, but the food you eat and the type of toothpaste and/or mouthwash you use can affect how your saliva works against this bacteria.
Gum recession is very common and most people do not know they have it since it occurs gradually. Progression from healthy to unhealthy gums occurs in several steps. When your gums are healthy, they appear pink and tight to your teeth. The first sign of gum recession is swollen, bright red and tender gums that sometimes bleed. If nothing is done to alleviate this sign, then the next one is when the gums pull away and you start getting loose teeth with the development of pus between the teeth and gums. The final step in this journey from healthy to unhealthy gums starts when the roots are visible and the gums are inflamed. You can also have pus and tooth loss.
Gum disease and receding gums are also linked to several other diseases, including periodontal disease, heart disease, heart attack and stroke, diabetes and respiratory disease. Ideally you should see a dentist once your gums have become swollen and start to bleed, but some people may not go to their dentist until their gums are very inflamed and they have lost a few teeth.
Treatment of gums that have started to recede starts by seeing your dentist for a deep cleaning. The dentist and/or dental hygienist will carefully remove the plaque and tartar build up on your teeth and the roots below the gum line. The exposed root area is then smoothed and, in extreme cases, antibiotics may be given to kill off any remaining bacteria. If a deep cleaning cannot be used due to extreme gum recession, then your dentist may suggest gum surgery to repair the damage.
If your dentists advises you to have gum surgery, you should remember that it can be very expensive and a lot of people do not have dental insurance. Gum surgery usually includes the diagnosis and x-rays, scaling/root planing and the actual surgery, all of which can be quite costly. If you need more extensive surgery, your dentist may recommend tissue grafts and/or bone grafts, which can cost even more.
The best way to prevent receding gums is to monitor what types of food you eat and strictly adhere to a twice daily regiment of brushing and flossing your teeth. Be sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and after brushing, rinse your mouth with a mouthwash that specifically prevents bacteria from thriving. You should also visit your dentist at least twice a year.
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