The FAQs of Receding Gums

Receding gums can be a sign that you have gum disease. It can also be a sign of poor brushing habits or using a toothbrush that is too hard. receding gums leave teeth roots exposed to acids made by oral bacteria, increasing their risk of decay.

Teeth roots do not have an outer layer of enamel to protect them against acids in the mouth. Instead, they are covered with cementum, which is not as durable as enamel.

Frequently asked questions about receding gums

Patients may notice that their gums are pulling back from their teeth roots. Here are the answers to questions that they might have.

1. Can gum disease be reversed?

Yes, the first stage of gum disease is called gingivitis, and it can easily be reversed with improved oral hygiene and teeth cleanings. Deep teeth cleaning treatments can also help reverse gingivitis. Early detection is crucial because the second stage of gum disease called periodontitis cannot be reversed. It is a chronic inflammation of gum tissues and is linked to serious health issues, like cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Periodontitis is the leading cause of adult teeth loss, and it can only be managed by performing appropriate treatments.

2. What else causes gum recession besides periodontal disease?

Receding gums is not always a symptom of gum disease. Other reasons that a person’s gums might pull back from teeth roots include:

• Genetics
• An injury to gum tissues
• Brushing or flossing too hard
• Brushing with a hard toothbrush

3. Will gum recession affect how my smile looks?

Yes, gum recession leaves teeth roots exposed, making the teeth appear abnormally longer. Exposed teeth roots lead to poor aesthetics, and things can worsen if the roots begin to decay when acids made by oral bacteria destroy their structures. Exposed teeth roots will eventually become damaged to the point that the teeth being anchored down by them start falling out. That can ruin a person’s smile, and oral prosthetics like implants will be needed to replace lost teeth.

4. How does a dentist address receding gums?

Treating receding gums starts with determining its cause. If gum recession is caused by poor brushing or flossing techniques, the dentist will educate the patient about appropriate ways to clean teeth and gums.

If the patient’s gum disease is caused by periodontal disease, the dentist will recommend treatments based on how far their condition has progressed. Gingivitis can be treated by getting the patient to commit to improving their oral hygiene and teeth cleanings.

Periodontitis can be addressed with procedures like deep cleaning, gum grafts, bone grafts, medication, and teeth replacement procedures. Gum grafts are typically the standard for covering up exposed teeth roots. Gum tissues from other parts of the mouth are harvested and used to cover up teeth roots.