Receding gums often occur as a result of gum disease.
Receding gums are a condition in which the teeth pull away from the tooth surface, often revealing part of the root surfaces. The condition may be caused by gum disease, and if left untreated, can lead to serious problems, including tooth loss. Read on to find out more about receding gums and what you can do about the issue…
What causes the condition?
Receding gums can be caused by a number of factors, including the build-up of tartar, a family history of gum disease, hormonal changes and lifestyle habits like smoking. Brushing too hard can also cause gums to recede over time. Certain health conditions, including diabetes and HIV, are also contributing factors.
What are the symptoms?
Some of the most common symptoms of receding gums include swollen gums, bleeding gums after brushing or flossing, bad breath, gum pain, loose teeth, exposed tooth roots, and gums that are visibly shrinking. Receding gums are a fairly common condition in individuals over the age of 40 years old and tend to affect more men than women. If you have noticed any of the symptoms of receding gums, we recommend that you come in and see us. The earlier the issue is identified and treated, the better the outcome is likely to be.
How can it be treated?
If you suspect that you have receding gums, it is best to see your dentist as soon as possible. Your dentist will perform a thorough examination to determine the extent of the issue. If your dentist identifies an infection in the gums, they may prescribe medications to help resolve the issue.
In very severe cases, surgery may be necessary, although this is generally only recommended in cases where all other treatments have proved unsuccessful. In the case of surgery, deep tissue cleaning is performed — this process involves the removal of bacteria and tartar that has built up in the gums.
Can receding gums be prevented?
One of the most effective ways to prevent receding gums is to visit your dentist for regular check-ups and cleans. At your routine check-up, your dentist will look out for any early signs of gum disease and resolve them before they become complicated. Professional cleans will effectively remove plaque and tartar from the surface of your teeth, which is helpful in preventing gum disease and receding gums.
It is also very important that you practice proper oral hygiene in order to maintain good oral health in the long term. We recommend that you brush and floss your teeth thoroughly every day and that you eat a healthy, balanced diet.
How can we help?
At Murwillumbah Dental, we offer dental check-up and cleans. We encourage all of our patients to come in and see us every six months so that we can maintain the condition of the teeth and gums. With regular dental assessments, we are able to detect potential issues in their early stages and provide treatment as soon as possible. During the cleaning process, we efficiently clean the teeth with a hand scaler before polishing the teeth with a specially formulated paste.
To find out more about what to expect at a dental check-up and professional clean, please have a look here.
If you would like to make an appointment to see us, please get in touch with us here. We look forward to helping you maintain a healthy and beautiful smile.
