A common oral health problem, receding gums is a condition experienced by many adults. If left unchecked, it can lead to tooth sensitivity and even tooth loss. Receding gums can also affect the look of your smile. The good news, however, is that dentists have procedures and tools to help prevent and slow receding gums.
Symptoms of Receding Gums
Are you wondering if you have receding gums? Here’s what to look for:
Bleeding after brushing or flossing
Swollen, red gums with pain at the gum line
Shrunken gums
Exposed, sensitive tooth roots
A loose tooth
Bad breath
Causes Of Receding Gums
There are a number of things that can cause your gums to recede, including the following:
Poor oral health. Plaque build-up on your teeth attracts bacteria that can infect your gums.
Poor brushing techniques. Brushing too hard with a firm-bristle toothbrush can damage your gums.
Genetics. If your parents had receding gums, chances are you will too.
Misaligned teeth. Teeth that aren’t straight attract more plaque and bacteria.
Smoking. Cigarettes and other tobacco products cause receding gums.
Trauma. A mouth injury can damage your gums and cause them to recede.
While you can’t control all these factors, you can take steps to protect your mouth and maintain your oral health.
Treating Receding Gums
Unfortunately, once gums recede, they can’t grow back. However, there are dental procedures that can help including:
Deep cleaning. Your dentist can perform a deep cleaning, also called root planing and scaling. Your dentist will clean out the tartar and plaque — and the bacteria that comes with it — from the pockets between your gums and teeth. This procedure will allow infected gums to heal.
Gum contouring. Using a laser or scalpel, your dentist can create a straighter gum line to improve the look of your smile and help keep the gum tissue healthier and easier to clean.
Preventing Receding Gums
While there are procedures that can help treat receding gums, it’s best to take preventive action. Take these steps to prevent your gums from receding:
Brush twice a day
Floss daily
Use a soft-bristle toothbrush
Use proper brushing techniques
Visit your dentist for checkups and exams
Dental Checkups And Exams In SE Calgary
Dr. Sandhu and his team at Forest Lawn Dental Centre can identify receding gums at the earliest stages and recommend the best way forward. We also offer gum contour surgery. Keep your mouth healthy and smile bright with regular dental checkups and exams in SE Calgary. Contact us today to schedule an appointment or book one online.