Blog Highlights
- Gum recession can lead to tooth pain which may be one reason for the misleading name
- Your dentist can easily identify if you’re suffering from gum disease
- It’s important to maintain a healthy oral regime at home to help prevent gum recession
No, but gum recession or receding gums are very real. Gum recession or receding gums is what some mistakenly refer to as “tooth recession.” Gum recession or receding gums can lead to tooth pain which may be one reason for the misleading name. Gum recession occurs for a number of reasons and results in the gums pulling away from the teeth. This leaves the roots of the tooth exposed and vulnerable to pain. The root of the tooth has less enamel covering it and is often sensitive to sweet, sour, or spicy foods as well as hot and cold temperatures.
Causes
- Gum disease
- Misaligned teeth
- Orthodontic treatments
- Rough brushing or over brushing
- Smoking
- Teeth grinding or clenching
Symptoms
- Exposed roots
- Bleeding, swelling, redness
- Sensitivity
- Teeth appearing longer than usual
If you start to notice any of these common symptoms, you should seek dental advice immediately. Gum disease is a serious problem. Your dentist can easily identify if you’re suffering from gum disease and how far the disease has progressed. They will use a probe device to measure the loss of gum coverage in millimeters.
It’s important to maintain a healthy oral regime at home to help prevent gum recession. Limit your intake of sugary and acidic foods, which can often cause decay. Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and floss regularly. You may also use desensitizing toothpaste if you experience extreme sensitivity. Your dentist may also recommend giving up tobacco if you’re a smoker or wearing a night-guard if you grind your teeth.
If the disease advances, you may need to take more serious measures such as gum grafting surgery. Gum grafting surgery is performed by a specialist and involves manipulating and replacing the receded gums. If you suspect you have gingivitis or receding gums make an appointment with your dentist immediately.
