Something we see quite often at our practice is patients who are suffering from receding gums. Receding gums is a condition in which your gums pull back from the surface of your tooth, exposing the root surfaces of your teeth. This is a serious consequence of poor oral health and can eventually lead to tooth loss if not caught or addressed early enough.
Causes of Gum Recession
Receding gums can be caused by a number of different factors, including:
- Aggressive brushing over a long period of time
- Hardened plaque buildup, otherwise known as tartar
- Hormonal changes in women
- Smoking
- Family history of gum disease
- HIV
- Diabetes
- Dry Mouth
- Mediciations
According to the California Dental Association, receding gums are most common in adults age 40 and up. Equally, it is more common in women than men.
Symptoms of Receding Gums
Receding gums are pretty easy to spot — you may be able to identify them yourself at home! Symptoms of receding gums include:
- Visibly shrinking gums
- Pain at gum line
- Bad breath
- Loose teeth
- More space between teeth than normal
- Bleeding after brushing or flossing
- Red, swollen gums
- Exposed tooth roots
Luckily, there are a lot of treatment options available for receding gums, depending on the cause and severity! If you think you are suffering from gum recession, be sure to visit your local dentist right away so they can make the right diagnosis and treatment plan for you.
