If you have ever eaten something cold and your teeth have been sensitive, or it looks like your teeth are longer than they used to be, you probably have a condition known as receding gums.
Generally occurring in older people, it is now starting to show in much younger adults.
General causes include age, a wearing down of the gingiva over time. Minor injuries to your gums, either from brushing or a mouth injury. Incorrect brushing will also lead to receding gums.
You have an increased risk of gum disease from family heredity. Hormonal changes, smoking and not visiting your dentist can all lead to receding gums.
Symptoms Of Receding Gums
Typical symptoms to watch for are sensitivity, bleeding when you brush, or a ridge on the top of your tooth that can be felt with your tongue or finger.
This would be where you gum used to be. When first noticed a visit to the dentist will confirm if you need treatment, which will consist of regular cleaning and scraping of the teeth to remove build up of plaque and tartar just below the gum line.
Treatment And Implications
If needed, a course of antibiotics will be given for any infection in the gum. If recession has gone too far, gum surgery may be necessary.
When gums recede too far teeth become loose and may fall out. It is extremely important to visit your dentist on a regular basis.
Surgery Types
If surgery is needed there are a few options. Pocket reduction is when the dentist will peel back the gum a little and rid that area of any harmful bacteria, then fit the gum tightly around the tooth again.
If you have lost bone and have loose teeth you can get regeneration surgery, again the gum is peeled back and your dentist will pack the area with a regeneration material to encourage and stimulate the bone growth. The gum is again secured in place.
Preventative Measures
Prevention is way better than cure, so thoroughly clean your teeth and always floss, if you smoke give it up. Make regular dentist appointments.
Eat a well balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables. If you grind your teeth talk with your dentist or doctor about the options you have to help that problem.
Mostly, look in your mouth, take the time twice a day to inspect your gums, it takes no time at all.
Receding Gums
If you have ever eaten something cold and your teeth have been sensitive, or it looks like your teeth are longer than they used to be, you probably have a condition known as receding gums.
Generally occurring in older people, it is now starting to show in much younger adults.
General causes include age, a wearing down of the gingiva over time. Minor injuries to your gums, either from brushing or a mouth injury. Incorrect brushing will also lead to receding gums.
You have an increased risk of gum disease from family heredity. Hormonal changes, smoking and not visiting your dentist can all lead to receding gums.
Symptoms Of Receding Gums
Typical symptoms to watch for are sensitivity, bleeding when you brush, or a ridge on the top of your tooth that can be felt with your tongue or finger.
This would be where you gum used to be. When first noticed a visit to the dentist will confirm if you need treatment, which will consist of regular cleaning and scraping of the teeth to remove build up of plaque and tartar just below the gum line.
Treatment And Implications
When gums recede too far teeth become loose and may fall out. It is extremely important to visit your dentist on a regular basis.
Surgery Types
If surgery is needed there are a few options. Pocket reduction is when the dentist will peel back the gum a little and rid that area of any harmful bacteria, then fit the gum tightly around the tooth again.
If you have lost bone and have loose teeth you can get regeneration surgery, again the gum is peeled back and your dentist will pack the area with a regeneration material to encourage and stimulate the bone growth. The gum is again secured in place.
Preventative Measures
Prevention is way better than cure, so thoroughly clean your teeth and always floss, if you smoke give it up. Make regular dentist appointments.
Eat a well balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables. If you grind your teeth talk with your dentist or doctor about the options you have to help that problem.
Mostly, look in your mouth, take the time twice a day to inspect your gums, it takes no time at all.
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