Take a look at your teeth. More specifically, take a good look at your gums. If they’re pink and firm, and not red or swollen, chances are they’re healthy. But if you see that they’re beginning to pull away from the tooth, that small pockets have begun forming at the base of your teeth, or if your gums bleed or swell, that could indicate gum recession.
Other signs to look for? Recurring bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth, redness, or loose teeth.
Receding gums occur when portions of the gum tissue begin to wear away, exposing larger amounts of the tooth. This can leave you more susceptible to gum disease and other oral health problems.
Here are 3 more things you probably didn’t know.
Receding gums can happen even if you brush and floss twice a day.
While poor oral hygiene does play a role in gum recession, it still occurs in people who take good care of their teeth and gums. That’s because overly aggressive brushing and flossing can irritate the gums and contribute to a receding gum line. Go easy on those pearly whites and never use a toothbrush that isn’t graded ‘soft.’
It’s different than gum disease.
These conditions may sound the same, but they’re actually different. Gum disease is one of the leading causes of gingival recession, because it allows plaque and bacteria to build up between the tooth and the gum line. This causes painful swelling over time and eventually leads to the recession of the gum tissue. Taking good care of your teeth and gums to prevent gum disease is also a crucial step in preventing gum recession, too.
Most people don’t know they have it.
Receding gums don’t happen overnight. The gum line recedes slowly over time, making it harder to notice until it becomes a more serious problem. Keep an eye out for early signs such as teeth sensitivity, a larger amount of tooth exposed, notches felt at the gum line, and bleeding gums.
If you’re worried about the health of your gums, don’t ignore it. Schedule an appointment with Mendota Springs Dental today. Our team of expert, caring professionals is standing by to put you on track to healthy teeth for a lifetime.
Posted on behalf of Mendota Springs Dentistry
