Why Receding Gums is a Big Deal and what you can do about it

Categories: General Dentistry

receding gums is a big dealSanta Cruz, Scotts Valley CA

Most people consider a successful dental checkup to include the words, “no cavities!” But, fewer people heed their doctor’s warning about their receding gums. It’s hard to say how many people experience gum recession, but it is a common concern among adults in the U.S., especially in cases of gum disease. But, whether your gum recession is due to an infection or something else just as serious. Either way, you shouldn’t ignore it! While gum recession may not always be reversible, it can be managed to prevent further damage to your oral health.

Today on the blog, general dentists in Scotts Valley at Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry want you to know why gum recession is a big deal, and what we can do about it.

It causes other unfavorable symptoms

In its earliest stage, you may be completely unaware of your condition because it may initially be symptoms free.

Here are a few symptoms to watch out for that may indicate gum recession is worsening:

  • Bad breath
  • Bleeding when you brush or floss
  • Tooth sensitivity (especially to cold or hot foods or beverages)
  • Puffy or inflamed gum tissue
  • Aesthetic changes such as elongated teeth

Any of these symptoms could be to blame for gum recession. It’s essential to bring this to the attention of your dentist if you experience any symptoms associated with receding gums.

It makes oral hygiene more difficult

Gum recession is when the gum tissue separates from the base of your teeth, exposing the tooth’s root structure, which isn’t protected by a coating of enamel, hence the increased tooth sensitivity. Because of this, gum pockets may form and collect cavity-causing bacteria, which increases your risk of tooth decay. Furthermore, cleaning these pockets is difficult, if not impossible, without the handy work of a skilled dental hygienist.

It can cause the need for extensive dental treatment or tooth loss

When gum recession is left untreated, it can lead to gum disease, which inevitably causes tooth loss if not managed. The infection spreads to the jawbone, which erodes as well. Without the support of the jawbone, the teeth may loosen, at which point extensive dental treatments may be necessary to prevent tooth loss. Inevitably, ignoring the problem at this point would only increase the likelihood of needing an extraction.

What can be done about gum recession?

One of the first steps in managing gum recession is to find out if you have it to begin with. This means that routine checkups and cleanings are a must. It is an opportunity for your dentist to identify oral health problems, such as gum recession, and recommend the best course of treatment moving forward. Catching gum recession in the early stage proves to have a better treatment outcome, rather than waiting until you have severe root exposure or loose teeth.

If you have gum recession, it could be caused by poor oral hygiene, gum disease, or TMJ disorder. It is essential to find out the root cause of your receding gums in order to get the most effective treatment. You can take better care of your teeth and gums by ensuring that you brush twice a day and floss daily. These efforts, along with routine dental cleanings, help manage gum disease and prevent it from worsening. If your gum recession is caused by TMJ disorder, treatment will be catered to the severity of your condition. The most crucial step is to get an evaluation by the dentists at our Scotts Valley dental office. To schedule that appointment, please call (831) 438-4411.