The signs of gum recession are easy to miss as early symptoms can be relatively subtle. Aesthetically, as gums recede, it can appear as if teeth are longer, and the recession can be so severe as to expose tooth roots. Other signs include bleeding gums in Bowmanville, especially after brushing and flossing, but which can occur at other times. Gums can look swollen and red and feel tender to the touch. Yet another sign is bad breath.
What Can Cause Receding Gums?
There are several reasons why gums can recede. These include:
- Brushing teeth too vigorously, especially if you use a hard-bristled toothbrush.
- Teeth grinding and clenching place the gums under considerable pressure and can result in gum recession.
- A misaligned bite can have the same effect on gum health, placing certain teeth under pressure when they do not meet together correctly and evenly.
- Hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy or menopause can increase gum sensitivity, making them more likely to become red, inflamed, and ultimately recede.
- Sometimes genetics is a factor; for example, if your parents have thinner gum tissue than average, you might inherit this trait.
- Often, receding gums in Newcastle are due to poor oral care. When someone fails to brush and floss regularly, plaque can quickly accumulate. The bacteria in plaque infect and inflame the gums, causing them to pull away from teeth in a condition called periodontal disease.
Treating Receding Gums
When you visit West Bowmanville Family Dental for regular checkups, we closely monitor gum health. We can soon detect any changes and identify the reason for gum recession. Maintaining strong, healthy and infection-free gums is extremely important in preventing tooth loss. Good oral health also helps to protect overall health.
Everyone visiting our practice receives a custom preventive dental care plan adjusted for their current dental and overall health. For example, if you are pregnant or going through menopause, we may want to keep a closer eye on your oral health to help prevent problems like receding gums.
Sometimes, gum recession is relatively mild and can be easily treated. Typical treatments may include cleaning your teeth professionally, as this removes plaque and tartar buildup, eliminating the bacteria that can cause periodontal or gum disease. Combined with an improved oral care routine, this may be all that is needed to restore good gum health. If you have advanced gum disease, you may need more specialized care, and this condition can become chronic and require regular dental treatments to control it.
If you are brushing your teeth too vigorously or not thoroughly enough, we can review your oral care routine, suggest new ways to brush, and discuss the best tools to try. You should use a soft-bristled toothbrush with fluoride toothpaste, brushing your teeth in small circular motions without using too much pressure.
When a bite is misaligned, orthodontics in Courtice might be one option. Adult orthodontics solutions like Invisalign can correct most common bite problems, realigning teeth so they meet together properly and reducing stress on your teeth, gums and jaw joints. The great thing about Invisalign is treatment is virtually invisible, and this system is super easy to use and provides predictable results.
If teeth grinding and clenching are a problem, then one way to treat this issue is with a custom-made night guard. Teeth grinding and clenching, called bruxism, tends to be a nocturnal habit, so wearing a night guard prevents teeth from contacting, reducing wear and tear on your teeth and gums.
If you have noticed changes to your gum health and haven’t seen a dentist in Clarington for a while, please schedule an appointment as soon as possible.