The first sign of gum recession is usually tooth sensitivity, or you may notice that a tooth looks longer than normal. A notch can usually be felt near the gum line. Gum recession isn't something I want to ignore. If you think your gums are receding, ask for a dental appointment. If you have healthy gums, they will look firm and pink. Some signs of unhealthy gums include redness and swelling, gums that bleed when brushing or flossing, and gums that seem to come off your teeth. The dentist website here at https://www.peterblankdds.com mentions some factors that can undermine gum health, such as tobacco use, malnutrition, poor oral hygiene, and poor immunity due to more serious medical problems. In addition, certain medications, including some types of antihistamines, decongestants, and pain relievers, can cause dry mouth, which can promote gum disease.
Whether you are suffering from gum disease or not, there are things you can do to prevent it. The best way to do this is to learn about the warning signs of gum disease and how to keep your gums healthy.
Receding gums
Having receding gums is a condition that can cause discomfort, pain, and other problems. This condition can be caused by a number of different factors, including smoking, genetics, and clenching or grinding your teeth.
Receding gums are often caused by periodontal disease. This is a bacterial infection that begins with plaque buildup on your teeth. If left untreated, the condition may lead to the loss of your teeth.
You can prevent the development of receding gums by keeping your mouth clean. This can be accomplished by brushing and flossing regularly. You can also use an antimicrobial mouthwash to keep bacteria at bay. You can also consider quitting smoking to improve your gum health.
Some people with thin gums may be more prone to inflammatory causes of receding gums. These people may also experience changes in their estrogen levels, which can make their gums more sensitive.
In more severe cases, a gum graft may be recommended. This surgery involves the removal of gum tissue from another site in the mouth and the grafting of it to the area with receding gums.
Bleeding gums
Having bleeding gums is a normal occurrence, but it can be a sign of something more serious. If you have gums that bleed often, it is best to see a doctor as soon as possible.
Bleeding gums are caused by bacterial plaque that forms on your teeth and gums when you don't brush and floss regularly. The plaque builds up and can lead to a condition called gingivitis. If not treated, the plaque hardens and causes more bleeding.
You can improve your gums' health by incorporating a healthy diet into your daily routine. Eating fruits, vegetables, and whole grains will help you boost your gum's health. You can also try brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush and flossing regularly.
If you've had bleeding gums for a while, you should see a dentist. A dental professional can determine if you have gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease, or more advanced gum disease called periodontitis.
There are many ways to treat bleeding gums. The American Dental Association recommends a balanced diet, regular dental checkups, and good oral hygiene. You can also try a warm saltwater rinse or ice pack to soothe the gums.
Gingival recession
Whether you have been diagnosed with gingival recession or are just trying to get your teeth and gums healthy, there are many treatments available. The best way to determine what type of treatment is right for you is to schedule an appointment with your dentist. The dentist can measure your gums to see where the problem is, as well as recommend the best course of action for your situation.
In severe cases of gum recession, the dentist may recommend surgery to restore your gums. Surgery can open badly diseased gum pockets and stitch your gums back into place.
Another type of surgery, called tissue grafts, involves taking tissue from another area of the mouth and placing it over your receding gums. The stitches heal into a healthy gum line.
Another option is to use antibiotics and scaling and root planing. Antibiotics can kill bacteria, and scaling and root planing can remove plaque and tartar from below the gum line.
Cold sores
During the preschool years, children get many new experiences. One of these experiences can be a cold sore. This is because the immune system is still not fully developed.
When a person gets a cold sore, it will usually go away on its own within a couple of weeks. However, in some cases, the infection can lead to complications.
Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). This virus normally lives inside your body. However, when your immune system is compromised, the virus can be passed onto other people. The virus can also spread to other parts of the body. Symptoms include itching and swelling. You may also feel a burning sensation. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should see a doctor.
Depending on the severity of the infection, you may be prescribed antiviral tablets. In rare cases, your doctor may recommend intravenous antivirals.
If you have a cold sore, it is important to keep the area clean. Wash your hands regularly and avoid kissing other people. Using a cold compress can help ease the pain.
There are some signs you could look for that can tell you if you have gum problems or recession in your gums. It occurs when the gums are removed from the teeth, leaving the root below exposed and the first thing you can feel is an increase in tooth sensitivity. You may also notice that your teeth look longer or that you feel a notch where the gum attaches to the tooth. In the early stages of gum disease, your teeth will look basically healthy.
Most gums will appear normal, with no swelling or irritation. However, you may notice occasional bleeding when eating certain foods, such as apples. Find out how to help protect your gums from gum disease and the importance of having regular dental check-ups. Gum recession can't always be prevented, especially if you have a genetic predisposition to thin your gum tissue.
Periodontitis is a serious gum infection that can lead to tooth loss and other serious health complications. If you have mild gum disease (gingivitis), you can recover healthy gums by paying attention to oral hygiene. According to the CDC, researchers have discovered possible links between gum disease and other serious diseases. When you have healthy gums, your teeth are well supported by gum tissue and your chances of long-term oral health increase significantly.
This is where the surrounding gum tissue or palate is grafted and sutured to the gum tissue to cover the exposed root of the tooth. However, you can significantly reduce the risk of infection-related gum recession by taking proper care of your teeth and gums. First, all plaque and hardened tartar above and below the gum line (where the gum meets the tooth) is removed. During the early stages of periodontitis, symptoms include noticeable receding of the gums and pockets between the gums and teeth.
If you have a moderate to severe gum recession, you will likely be referred to a periodontist or oral surgeon for a gum graft consultation. Regardless of the cause of gum recession, timely diagnosis and treatment can help prevent long-term oral health problems. However, severe gum disease, known as periodontitis, requires more sophisticated treatment to restore healthy gums. Other health and lifestyle changes can reduce the risk of gum disease, lessen its severity, and delay how quickly it develops.
The goals of treating gum disease are to promote the reattachment of healthy gums to the teeth; reduce swelling, pocket depth, and the risk of infection; and stop disease progression.
This article was made possible by Peter J. Blank, DDS.
