Receding gums symptoms

If your gums have begun to pull back from the surfaces of your teeth, possibly exposing the roots of the teeth, you have receding gums. Receding gums is one form of periodontal, or gum, disease. While receding gums are very common, they may lead to tooth loss, and it is therefore important to address and treat receding gums as early as possible. There are many treatments currently offered, depending on the severity of the condition, and outcome is generally better when treatment begins as early as possible. Many estimates claim that as many as three out of four adults have receding gums or some other form of periodontal disease. Periodontal disease begins as gingivitis, which means “inflammation of the gums.”  Bacteria and plaque build up on the teeth and within the gums. As time progresses, plaque can damage the gums and cause them to recede. Sometimes, pockets can form where the gums have pulled back from the teeth, creating an incubator for an even greater buildup of bacteria and plaque. Receding gums can be cause by numerous factors, including poor oral hygiene, aggressive brushing, smoking, tartar buildup, hormonal changes, certain illnesses, or genetics. In some cases, certain medications can lead to a dry mouth, which may also increase the risk for receding gums. Receding gums are most common in adults over age 40. Symptoms include bleeding after flossing or brushing, swollen or discolored gums, bad breath, sore gums, exposed tooth roots, and loose teeth. Periodontal disease and receding gums can be diagnosed by a dentist, during a routine dental office visit. Sometimes, dentists can observe receding gums with a basic physical examination. Other times, dentists will use a probe to measure the pockets caused by receding gums; depending on the depth of the pockets, they may then diagnose gum disease, which may then lead to a referral to a periodontist.

A periodontist will work with patients to design a treatment plan that is designed to save remaining gum tissue and protect the teeth. If the gums are infected, the periodontist may prescribe antibiotics, in either a topical or an orally administered form, or an enzyme suppressant. In the worst cases, surgery may be recommended as a treatment for periodontal disease. The two most common surgeries are flap surgery, and grafting. Flap surgery involves a periodontist lifting a flap of gum tissue, thoroughly cleaning beneath the flap, and then replacing the gum tissue. Grafting involves using either natural or synthetic material to supplement the gum tissue, helping this tissue repair. In both cases, patients must practice excellent oral hygiene following the surgical procedure, in order for the benefits to last.

If left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss. If there is not enough gum tissue in the mouth to hold the tooth roots in place, the teeth run the risk of falling out, or of loosening to the point where they no longer serve a mechanical function and must be removed by a dentist. The best way to prevent receding gums is by seeing a dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. You may not be experiencing any symptoms, yet a dentist may still identify early stages of gum disease. You can also work toward preventing gum problems by practicing diligent oral hygiene. Regular at-home cleaning, including regular flossing and brushing, can help remove plaque, but professional cleaning is necessary to remove tartar, which is a significant contributor to periodontal diseases, including receding gums. For this reason, at-home cleaning cannot serve as a substitute for regular professional cleaning. If the problem is treated early, the outlooks for periodontal disease can be good, so be sure to contact your dentist at the first signs of discomfort or irritation of the gums, and be sure to schedule regular checkups and cleanings even if everything looks and feels normal.

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