Many people still fail to understand the important role that your gums play in ensuring overall dental health. In fact, dentists and doctors are coming more and more to the realization that poor gum health can have a negative effect on other parts of your body as well. For that reason, it is important to educate yourself as much as you can about gum issues. This article will boost your knowledge by discussing receding gums—one common sign of gum disease.
Basic Information
As you can likely infer from its name, the problem of receding gums involves gum tissue that is pulling farther and farther back from the biting surfaces of your teeth. This increases the space between a tooth's crown and its gum line. Once exposed in this manner, your vulnerable roots are much more susceptible to the destructive influence of plaque and other dental bacteria.
One sign that you may be dealing with receding gums are teeth that have begun to seem more sensitive. This is the result of your roots' dentin becoming exposed. The dentin is highly sensitive not only to hot and cold foods, but also to highly acidic or sugary ones. Another sign of receding gums is the ability to feel a distinct notch--the top of your tooth crown--now exposed below your gums.
Causes of Receding Gums
There is no single reason why gums recede. That said, gingivitis represents perhaps the most common cause. It has been estimated that as many as fifty percent of Americans currently suffer from gingivitis. If not treated properly, gingivitis will lead to worse forms of gum disease, such as periodontitis. Fortunately, it is possible to reduce gingivitis through good oral health practices.
It is also possible to experience receding gums through what is known as mechanical overstimulation—or brushing too hard. You see, your gums are highly sensitive, and will respond to brutal brushing by pulling back, as if to avoid that unwanted sensation. If you believe that you may be prone to over-brushing too hard, try switching to an ultra-soft bristled brush.
Treatment Options
As noted above, the most effective long term way to treat gingivitis is to employ good brushing and flossing habits. Yet in the meantime, it is also a good idea to have your teeth given a deep cleaning by your dentist. They will utilize techniques such as scaling and planing to remove plaque and tartar from the surfaces of your teeth. This will encourage your gums to grow back down over time—provided you do your part to keep your teeth clean.
To learn more, visit resources like http://www.cresthillfamilydental.com.
