Understanding Why Gums Recede
Our gums are the often overlooked structures in our mouth as we really put more emphasis in the care of our pearly whites. We regard our perfectly white and aligned teeth as signs of health. Then one day we noticed some teeth looking quite different, like they have elongated. It’s not your teeth that’s having issues, it’s your gums. You’re starting to have receding gums.
Your gums are soft but firm tissues that surround each tooth and keep them in place in their bony arches. They hug your teeth up to what is called the gum line, that separates much of the crown from the root of the teeth. They are rich in nerve and blood supply, and carry that pinkish color if healthy. Now, if they start to recede, you’ll notice that they are somewhat pulled back, exposing more teeth, thus, appearing longer.
Apart from that, how do you know your gums are receding? Receding gums are most likely accompanied with thin gum tissue, and one of the first symptoms is sensitivity during brushing or taking cold drinks, or there may be bleeding while brushing, flossing, or biting on hard food. Other symptoms are red, swollen, or tender gums or other pain in your mouth, or teeth that might be loose or separating. You might notice pus between your teeth and gums, or a sore, a foul odor. And when you bite, your teeth might not be occluding well as before. If you are wearing partial dentures, they don’t seem to fit well anymore.
What might be causing receding gums?
For one, you might be brushing too hard; hard brushing doesn’t mean you’re cleaning your teeth better. Just look at your brush and you might notice the bristles are already frayed, and it’s not even an old toothbrush. Brushing hard can hurt your gums and shrink the gum line. Another is teeth grinding. You might not be aware that you’re tooth grinding while asleep and that may cause undue pressure on tooth surfaces, ligaments and gum tissue as well.
Gum disease is another cause of receding gums, and it might be the foremost cause. Periodontal disease, if untreated, can cause the gums and supporting bone structure to deteriorate. This can lead to gum recession or even tooth loss. You might want to know that gum disease can run in families.
Treating Receding Gums? Visit Overlake Dental in Bellevue
If you see these symptoms, come see your Bellevue dentist right away. Don’t delay for these issues are treatable. Save the health of your teeth and gums by regularly dental visitations.
