The other day, you tried to eat some delicious ice cream to cool down from the hot summer sun, but it sent a searing wave of pain through your mouth. You thought this was strange since your teeth aren’t usually sensitive. After looking in the mirror, you noticed your teeth look longer. Your gums might be receding, or pulling back from your teeth. Why is this? Keep reading to find out the possible causes of receding gums, and whether you’ll need gum disease treatment in Worthington.
Do I Have Receding Gums?
If your teeth look longer than they used to, that’s a common sign that your gums are receding. This exposes more of the tooth’s roots, which are more sensitive. You may experience discomfort when eating or drinking something particularly hot or cold.
Another symptom of receding gums is teeth that feel loose. When the gums pull back, the teeth aren’t as firmly rooted in the tissue, which may cause them to shift slightly.
Why Are My Gums Receding?
The most common reason why gums recede is periodontal (gum) disease. The bacteria responsible for this infection attack the tissue holding your teeth in place, causing inflammation, sensitivity, frequent bleeding, and other unpleasant symptoms. Because gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease, is not typically painful, its symptoms often go unnoticed. This allows it to progress into periodontitis, its more advanced stage. At this point, your gums can suffer irreversible damage.
Other causes of gum recession might include:
- Brushing too hard. Applying too much pressure when brushing your teeth can wear down your enamel and contribute to receding gums.
- Fluctuating hormone levels. When a woman’s estrogen levels change, such as during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause, it can leave the gums more susceptible to recession.
- Tobacco use. Smoking or chewing tobacco makes you more likely to develop plaque, which causes the gums to recede.
- Clenching or grinding your teeth. This habit, known as bruxism, can exert too much force on the teeth and make the gums recede.
Whatever the cause of your receding gums, it’s important that you tell your dentist right away.
How Can Receding Gums Be Treated?
Periodontal disease can often be treated by a dental deep cleaning, also called scaling and root planing. During this procedure, plaque is removed from beneath the gumline, and the roots of the teeth are smoothed out. Not only does this eliminate the infection, but it makes it harder for bacteria to attach to the teeth in the future.
If a dental deep cleaning is not enough to treat receding gums, you may require surgical treatment. That’s why you should always alert your dentist if you notice any of the symptoms described earlier in this post. It could ensure your smile stays healthy!
About the Author
Dr. Randall Nameth has been providing excellent dental care to the community of Worthington, OH since 1984, the same year he earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Ohio State University. He takes more than 40 hours of continuing education courses a year to stay up to date on the latest advancements in dental treatments, such as gum disease therapy. If, after reading this post, you think you might need gum disease treatment in Worthington, contact Dr. Nameth at (614)-846-2222.