Prioritize Your Gum Health
At Somerset Family Dentistry we prioritize the health of our patients' gums as much as their teeth. We recognize the essential role gums play in maintaining healthy, strong, and intact teeth. With regular dental care, we can work to prevent gum disease. In many cases, consistent dental visits are all that's needed to maintain gum health. However, if you notice your gums beginning to recede, it's crucial to address the issue promptly. Call +15629253735 to schedule an appointment at our Bellflower, CA dental office. Since gum recession can lead to further health challenges, timely intervention is important.
Why Are My Gums Receding from My Teeth?
There can be several reasons for gum recession, some of which may be related to lifestyle choices. It's important to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss once a day. However, using a hard toothbrush or brushing too aggressively can irritate your gums and cause them to recede. We recommend using a soft or electronic toothbrush and being gentle when brushing near your gums.
Gum disease is the most common reason for receding gums. At Somerset Family Dentistry, we see that gum disease can affect patients of all ages. It's crucial to come in for a dental cleaning and treatment if you notice any signs of gum disease. Plaque trapped between the teeth and gums can turn into tartar and irritate your gums. This irritation can cause the gums to swell, bleed, become inflamed, and eventually recede.
Genetics can also play a role in receding gums. If your parents experienced this issue, you may be more prone to it as well.
If your teeth are crooked and your bite is misaligned, it can put extra strain on certain teeth. This abnormal wear can cause your gums to suffer and eventually recede.
Why is gum recession occurring only on one side of my mouth?
If your gums are receding on one side only, it may be due to plaque buildup that has accumulated more in that specific area of your mouth. Plaque can develop unevenly, potentially because of differences in brushing or flossing habits between sides, or it could simply be a matter of chance. Another possibility is that this reflects broader wear patterns: if your teeth are misaligned or your bite is irregular, it can lead to uneven strain on your gums, affecting their health unevenly.
Why are my gums receding around just one tooth?
While it could be related to other causes mentioned earlier, it is most likely due to some form of dental trauma. Perhaps this specific area of the mouth was cut or suffered a severe abrasion. Whether the injury was caused by eating something sharp, a scratch from your nail, or an external force, gums can sometimes struggle to heal and may recede as a result of the injury.
Should I be concerned about receding gums? Are they indicative of underlying issues?
At Somerset Family Dentistry we emphasize the importance of monitoring your gum health closely. If you notice bleeding, swelling, or gum recession, it's essential to contact us promptly for an evaluation. Early detection allows us to diagnose and treat gum disease with less invasive methods, such as deep cleaning or antibiotic treatment. Delaying treatment could lead to more severe gum recession, jeopardizing the health of your teeth, jawbone, and overall smile. Research shows that a significant number of adults who lose teeth had gum disease. Preventing and managing gum disease is crucial for maintaining optimal oral health.
What steps can be taken to avoid gum recession?
Regular dental visits twice a year are crucial for preventing gum recession. During these appointments, our dental team removes built-up plaque and tartar, ensuring your teeth feel fresh and reducing the risk of plaque accumulation. Using a soft toothbrush and practicing gentle brushing techniques also helps in maintaining gum health and preventing recession.
Is there a treatment available for this condition?
Yes, if gum recession is caused by gum disease, treatment involves removing the disease. Typically, this requires a deep cleaning procedure to eliminate plaque and tartar from the area between the teeth and gums. Once cleaned, the gums can start to heal and regenerate. Laser procedures are also available to stimulate gum tissue growth in some cases. However, severe recession may necessitate a gum graft to restore and protect the tissue around the teeth.
What are the consequences of not treating it?
Simply put, neglecting treatment could lead to tooth loss. Gum recession, often caused by gum disease, poses significant risks. Ignoring it could result in discomfort, along with eventual bone and tooth loss.
