A person has receding gums when the gum tissue that protects a tooth's root becomes pushed back and exposed. It can be the result of a tooth being in an abnormal position. It is a dental issue that dentists deal with often, and it is typically hard to detect during its early stages.
People who are older than 65 are the most likely to have receding gums. Since this oral issue leaves the original roots of teeth exposed to irritants in the patient's mouth, the roots are susceptible to infection and decay. Either issue can eventually lead to the tooth falling out.
When the recession of the gums is severe, people often experience pain, sensitivity and infections. These are usually cleaned via deep cleanings, tissue grafts and antibiotics.
The gums serve a critical function, protecting the roots of a person's teeth from all the harmful things that can be found in the mouth, like acids, plaque and bacteria.
The gums protect the tooth roots from bacteria, plaque and other forms of decay. The root is the most fragile part of a tooth, and exposure of this sensitive part of the tooth is what leads to all the complications that are linked to receding gums.
There are a variety of things that can lead to gum recession. These include:
Gum disease is one of the leading causes of gum recession. It is caused by plaque and tartar build-up on a person's teeth. Food particles that are left over in the mouth after meals are converted into plaque and acids. This plaque eventually turns into tartar and makes its way beneath the gum line.
Tartar is a haven for bacteria, and the body's immune system response kicks in once it is detected. This occurrence leads to inflammation of the gums. Over time, the gums become pushed back so far that teeth roots are exposed. The advanced stage of gum disease, known as periodontal disease, can also dissolve the bone tissue that holds teeth roots in place.
Most people do not notice any symptoms during the early stages of gum disease, but the symptoms will eventually become apparent. These include:
Having gum disease does not have to lead to the loss of a tooth. The condition can be treated by a dental professional, especially when detected early on. It can also be prevented by practicing good oral hygiene and getting regular deep cleanings.
When was the last time you had your teeth cleaned? Schedule an appointment with one of our dentists today! We can help guide you in making the best decisions for your oral health and any receding gum issues you or a loved one may be having.
Call (732) 842-5005 today to reach Lincroft Village Dental Care.
Red, inflamed or swollen gums are often the sign of gingivitis, the first stage of periodontal disease or worse still, periodontitis. Plaque is the most common cause of the condition, but there are several others that can cause gum infection.The following are some of the common ways to get gum disease:Gum disease is usually caused…
Do you think you might have the beginnings of periodontal disease? Wondering what to do about it if you do? The sooner you address any dental problems by making an appointment with an experienced dentist, the better chances you are going to have of reversing those dental problems.
Periodontal disease is an infection of the gum tissues and the jawbone supporting the teeth. It is a prevalent oral condition that does not heal on its own without professional intervention. The condition, which starts as minor inflammation of the gums, can cause loose teeth and eventual tooth loss if left untreated.Gum disease is the…
A periodontist has one primary goal — to save patients’ permanent teeth. If someone needs a tooth extracted, this dental professional has the advanced training to replace it. Mainly, they offer dental implants to patients who are good candidates. While it might sound odd that a periodontist pulls teeth, it is for the health of…
Dentists generally recommend dental implants as a natural choice for replacing missing teeth. If you play sports regularly, especially contact sports, you may be worried about continued participation after having your lost teeth replaced. This article covers what you need to know about playing sports with dental implants.Every sport has required skills, levels of fitness…
If you are missing either one or multiple teeth, you may want to ask your dentist if a partial denture is suitable for you. A beautiful smile can say a lot about you. When you meet someone for the first time, the first feature they may notice is your smile. There are several reasons a…