About Receding Gums

Receding gums result in the exposure of the roots of the teeth along with loss of gum tissue. Receding gums do not happen overnight. Since there are often early warning signs that lead up to receding gums, proper oral hygiene can prevent receding gums. If it is too late for prevention, don't despair, as there are treatments available for repairing receding gums.

Identification

Receding gums can be recognized at home. You may notice that spaces between your teeth have gotten bigger. Your teeth may look longer. Often, receding gums are a result of gingivitis, or inflammation of the gums. This almost always results in bleeding. Check your toothbrush or sink after brushing and rinsing to see if there is any pink or red color. If your gums consistently bleed upon flossing, this is also a sign of gum disease. Check to see if your gums look red and swollen. Bad breath is also a sign of gum disease. Tooth sensitivity is also often a sign of receding gums. Lastly, if your teeth feel loose, this is another critical sign that your gums are receding.

Function

The causes of receding gums can be identified to a number of sources. Receding gums are usually a result of some underlying disease such as periodontal disease or gingivitis. First, over-brushing can wear away the enamel of the gum line resulting in gum loss. Second, not flossing or inadequate flossing can cause receding gums due to the bacteria sitting between the teeth. The bacteria eventually eats away at the bone. Third, periodontal disease, inflammation of the tissues surrounding the teeth, can be a cause of receding gums. Fourth, chronic use of snuff between the lips and the teeth has been known to cause receding gums as does smoking. Fifth, oral jewelry has recently been linked to receding gums. Sixth, misaligned teeth may also be a cause of tooth loss. Lastly, receding gums may be a result of grinding of teeth.

Warning

Untreated receding gums can have a number of unfavorable consequences. Over time, as the bacteria stagnates on the teeth, between the teeth and at the gum line, pockets will form between the teeth and gums. As these pockets get bigger, the teeth will loosen and can eventually fall out. Recent medical evidence has suggested that gingivitis is associated with heart health. Untreated gingivitis has an impact on blood pressure, cholesterol and coronary artery disease.

Prevention/Solution

To control your receding gums, start by using a soft toothbrush and brush after meals and before bed time. It is imperative for people with receding gums to floss regularly. Visit the dentist at least twice a year. Some dentists recommend more frequent cleaning for gingivitis patients as often as every 3 months. If your teeth are sensitive due to root exposure from your receding gums, your dentist can apply a teeth desensitizing agent. If your receding gums are caused by teeth grinding, you dentist will recommend a night guard. If improperly aligned teeth or crowns are the culprit, you dentist will suggest repairs of your fittings or teeth structure. For the most serious receding gum cases, the patient will be referred to a periodontist who can surgically apply grafts that will cover the exposed root of the tooth.

Expert Insight

In most cases, receding gums can be controlled with good home oral hygiene. Proper brushing and flossing can prevent receding gums. If you smoke, quit. If you wear oral jewelry, remove it.

Resources

• Read this Article in Portuguese
• Dental Heath Receding Gums Q & A
• American Dental Association on Sensitive Teeth
• CDA on Receding Gums