What do Receding Gums Look Like? The way to identify receding gums is by looking at the gum tissue surrounding each individual tooth. If the height of the gum tissue varies or if you see that the gum tissue surrounding the teeth draws back and seems red or worn away, then you are looking at receding gums.
Gum recession is a very gradual process, and many people don't realize they have receding gums until it's already occurring. Signs of gum recession vary, but can include red or swollen gums, bad breath, mouth sores, and pain or bleeding when brushing or flossing.
The simple answer is, no. If your gums are damaged by, for example periodontitis, the most severe form of gum disease, it's not possible for receding gums to grow back. However, even though receding gums can't be reversed there are treatments that can help to stop the problem from getting worse.
This is one of the easiest ways to tell if you have gum recession. When gums recede, more of the tooth is visibly exposed. Look for lines or notches along the bottom of the teeth, as this typically indicates areas where the gums have receded.
Receding gums is often a sign of underlying gum disease, although smoking and improper brushing can also cause gum recession. If you notice your gums are receding, see your dentist for an evaluation. If they suspect you have periodontal disease, they may refer you to a periodontist for further evaluation and treatment.
Gums that recede to expose the root surfaces of teeth is a common condition in adults over the age of 40. Many consider it to be just a sign of aging, and in some cases it is essentially that – often the result of wear and tear or years of aggressive tooth brushing.
However, if you have gum disease, your gums can recede quite quickly. In some cases, they may even recede within a matter of weeks or months. Of course, the rate at which your gums recede also depends on your age. As we age, our gums naturally begin to recede.
Receding gums are an oral health concern when they get to the point where tooth roots are exposed. It leads to a higher risk of decay, infection, and loss. Therefore, if you suspect your gums are receding, or a dental professional has brought it up to you, it's time to seek treatment.
In its early stages, gum recession may not require treatment. But chances are, by the time you notice longer teeth, you'll be past that point. You'll need extra dental care to stop the progression. The precise treatment depends on your case and its causes, and, typically, it will involve several strategies.
Good Oral Hygiene Habits
One of the most important things you can do to avoid further gum recession is to brush and floss your teeth twice daily. If your gums have receded due to aggressive brushing, be mindful of the force you are applying while brushing and use a soft-bristled toothbrush.
If you aggressively brush your teeth, it can cause enamel to wear away, which can lead to gum recession too. Proper oral hygiene helps ensure your oral health stays at its best at all times.
The advancement of bacterial infection in the gums then affects the ligament and bone that also stabilize teeth. At some point in this advancement, there is not enough tissue to hold teeth in place. The teeth are vulnerable to falling out but, in many cases, are extracted by the dentist before this happens.
However, there is nothing normal about gum recession. Luckily, for most of us it can be prevented. Though there are a host of factors that contribute to the erosion of your gumline, a vast majority are preventable. All the above causes of gum loss can be prevented.
Avoid donuts, candy, energy drinks, cake, and chocolate. Since gum recession exposes the tooth's roots and nerves, extreme temperatures from ice cubes or popsicles can cause your gums to be more sensitive.
In case too much gum material is lost, a gum tissue graft is performed to restore the gums. If enough material is available, the tissue used for the graft can come from elsewhere in your gums. Otherwise, the tissue can also be taken from the roof of your mouth.
Advanced periodontitis is the fifth and final stage of gum disease, and it is likely that you will lose teeth or at least loosen teeth during this phase without immediate dental intervention. The infection impacts the jawbone, so teeth may be lost regardless.
Receding gums are common in older adults. This is when the gum tissue pulls away from the tooth, exposing the base, or root, of the tooth. This makes it easy for bacteria to build up and cause inflammation and decay. A lifetime of brushing too hard can cause gums to recede.
It's never too late for gum grafting as long as the patient has sufficient gum tissue to harvest for the graft. However, the success rate of the procedure may be lower in cases where the patient has advanced gum disease or other underlying health issues that can affect the healing process.
It is important to brush and floss several times per day, along with using mouthwash daily, to help prevent receding gums. With that said, it is important not to brush or floss too vigorously as it can damage the gums and lead to recession over time.
Sensodyne Toothpaste
The top toothpaste available on the market that helps reduce sensitivity caused by receding gums is Sensodyne.
You can have a perfectly healthy mouth – no infection, no periodontal (gum) disease and no active tooth decay – and you can be very conscientious about practicing good oral hygiene, but you may still experience gum recession. Several factors contribute to gum recession.
Left alone, that bacteria will damage the gum tissue, tooth, and bone in the area, and cause irreversible damage. The bacteria that accumulates around and under the gums makes its way into other parts of your body.