Receding Gums and Bleeding Gums

It’s cause for concern when you experience the symptoms of receding gums, also known as gingival recession. Choosing to speak with a dentist about your receding gums could prevent long-term issues, such as disease-causing bacteria buildup and tooth and gum damage, that will cost a lot of money to repair, and a lot of time recovering from the required dental surgery.  

Receding gums occur when the roots of your teeth become exposed as your gum tissue dwindles due, in part, to untreated dental issues, like gingivitis or gum tissue injury. This reduction in gum tissue can lead to gaps in your teeth and gums that leave empty spaces open for disease-causing bacteria to grow and plaque to build up. Untreated receding gums eventually lead to tissue and bone damage, and possibly the loss of teeth.  

Symptoms of Receding Gums

How do you know if you are suffering from receding gums? There are several notable symptoms of receding gums are:

• The visible lengthening of teeth
• Red, swollen, sensitive, or bleeding gums
• Chronic bad breath
• Sensitivity to hot or cold foods
• Exposed tooth roots
• Loose teeth

Causes of Receding Gums

There are a number of causes to receding gums, including:

• Periodontal disease such as gingivitis
• Brushing teeth too hard
• Using a hard-bristled toothbrush
• Teeth grinding
• Gum tissue injury
• Ill-fitting partial dentures
• Genetic disposition
• Tobacco usage
• Prominent tooth roots or attachment muscles

Treatments for Receding Gums

Fortunately, there are ways your dentist can treat your receding gums. First, your dentist will conduct a deep cleaning specifically designed to address the cause of your receding gums. In advanced cases of receding gums, grafting is required to replace the damaged tissue. While there are natural treatments for receding gums, such as the application of aloe vera and drinking tea, these methods are medically unproven at this time and should only be utilized in conjunction with a medically proven treatment provided by a licensed dentist.

You can slow down gum recession by brushing your teeth twice daily with a soft-bristled brush, flossing every day, and bi-annual cleanings with your dentist. Also, if you smoke cigarettes or chew tobacco, you should quit as soon as possible to help address the problem.

Unfortunately, unlike other tissue in your body, gums do not grow back after they begin to recede, which is why it is so important to make an appointment with a dentist to address your receding gums as soon as you start to see symptoms develop. If you are experiencing bleeding gums, gum sensitivity, loose teeth, or any of the other symptoms of receding gums, contact us today to see one of our highly-rated dentists.