Blog Highlights:
- Our gums serve an important purpose
- Gum recession can happen for a variety of reasons
- There are treatments
Our gums serve an important purpose. They protect the roots of our teeth. When the gums start to recede this exposes the roots. As a result, you may experience sensitivity to hot and cold and your teeth become susceptible to root cavities.
Gum recession can happen for a variety of reasons. You may be at risk of gum recession if the position of your teeth is irregular or you’ve experienced some kind of trauma. Additionally, gum recession can be hereditary and is linked to periodontal disease. In the early stages of periodontal disease, bacteria infects the gums, usually causing them to swell and bleed. As the infection advances, it can result in gum recession and eventually will threaten the teeth and surrounding tissues. If gum recession continues untreated it is likely to result in tooth loss.
Luckily there are treatments. The most extreme form of treatment is gum grafting. Gum grafting is a surgical procedure that involves covering the exposed roots. It also helps stop further gum recession. For less severe cases, there is a cleaning treatment called scaling and root planing.
The best way to fight against gum recession is to practice prevention. Brush your teeth at least twice a day and get into the habit of flossing daily. Visit your dentist regularly and speak with them if you start to experience any sensitivity.
