Receding Gums Symptoms

Receding Gums Symptoms
Receding gums (or gingival recession) is a fairly common problem in dentistry that appears for various reasons. First of all, how do you know if you have receding gums? If you look carefully in the mirror, you can actually perceive if you have lost gums, leaving part of the root of the tooth exposed. You will notice the affected tooth looks longer than normal. Gingival recession is a problem that must be properly treated. Not only for aesthetic reasons, but because it can end in the loss of the teeth affected by said retraction.
Symptoms of gum recession
Some of the symptoms that should trigger the first alarm signals are the following:
* The appearance of hypersensitivity to cold and heat. It indicates that the tooth is unprotected in some area.
* Darkening in the part of the exposed root. Most likely you have cavities at the neck of the tooth.
* The progressive loss of the gum and bone that supports the tooth. It can cause mobility in the affected parts.
* In the most serious cases, the loss of the tooth. If we ignore mobility, this would be a direct consequence.
Causes of receding gums
The most common reason for gum retraction is periodontal disease, however, the causes can be varied. For this reason, it is important to carry out an adequate diagnosis to tackle the problems described above. Below, we inform you of the main causes, which will help you avoid the main risk factors:
* Periodontal disease: As we have mentioned, it is the main cause of the appearance of receding gums. It is known as “gum disease”. There are two types of periodontal disease:
* Gingivitis (inflammation of the gums mainly due to plaque accumulation).
* Periodontitis (consequence of the first if not treated in time). Both are of infectious origin and attack the supporting tissue of the tooth such as the gums and bone. In addition, in the most extreme cases and if the disease is not adequately treated, the loss of teeth can occur.
* Inadequate brushing: when tooth brushing is done incorrectly or we apply excessive pressure, it can also lead to gum retraction causing sensitivity.
* Smoking: tobacco reduces the quantity and quality of blood supply to the gums, causing them to weaken. This weakening can cause the periodontal diseases that we have discussed above, and therefore, gum retraction.
* Piercings: on the lip or tongue can cause gum loss due to the continuous rubbing they produce in the oral cavity.
* Trauma: a very strong blow can cause the loss of periodontal tissue. In case that happened, receding gums would occur.
* Poor orthodontic technique: incorrectly placed orthodontics or if tooth movements are carried out very abruptly during treatment, can cause gum retraction.
* Bad habits: biting pens, biting our nails or any other object that we put in our mouths can cause damage to our gums and cause retraction.
In the presence of any of these symptoms, it is necessary to make an appointment to visit the dentist for a full assessment. Gum recession cannot be reversed, but it can be treated, and your symptoms can be relieved through various interventions by your dentist.