If there is something going awry with your teeth, then they might start to feel sensitive or cause some discomfort. This can signal you to visit your dentist, but your gums have their own way of telling you things! They might be swollen or noticeably red, but they can also start to recede. While this can be worrying, here’s why this happens and what you can do to stop it.
So, Why Are My Gums Receding?
In short, there are several reasons that may be behind the soft tissues in your mouth pulling back. These are some common ones people experience:
- Bruxism: This habit is when you grind or clench your teeth subconsciously. The pressure it puts on your smile is to blame.
- Aggressive Brushing or Flossing: If you put a lot of force when doing your oral hygiene routine, then it can lead to irritation.
- Periodontal, or Gum, Disease: This condition is an infection in your gingival tissue. The more advanced stages of it can cause recession.
- Smoking: Using tobacco increases your risk of the point above.
Is Gum Recession Something to Worry About?
With that said, you might wonder if receding gums are necessarily an issue, but they can be over time. When this happens, the roots of your teeth become exposed. They are covered by cementum, which is a weaker substance than enamel. Bacteria will erode them more easily, leading to decay and sensitivity. As the soft tissues continue to pull back, tooth loss is also a possibility. So, it's important to get the issue fixed right away.
How Can My Dentist Treat Gum Recession?
By having a visit with your dentist, they can get to the bottom of your gum recession. If grinding or clenching is to blame, then you can get a nightguard. This oral appliance will act as a barrier to the pressure and protect your smile.
If you have gum disease, then you can get scaling and root planing to manage the infection. This is like a deep cleaning where your provider will clear out any bacteria in pockets underneath your gumline. Afterward, you’ll be given antibiotics to help you have smooth healing.
In all, you can also just get more advice about how you can properly care for your teeth and gums. That way, you keep your grin strong and healthy for as long as possible.
About the Practice
At Saginaw Dental, our team is committed to helping patients in the local community protect their smiles from the damaging effects of gum disease and other oral health issues. Led by Dr. Rupeshwar Renkuntla, we will tailor treatment plans to you and preserve your oral health. Whether your gums are receding, inflamed, or noticeably red, we can find the problem and get you back to a comfortable grin. If you want to make sure the soft tissues in your mouth are in great shape, schedule an appointment or call our office at (817) 989-2832.