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 receded gums could prevent long-term issues, such as gum 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 gum recession eventually leads to tissue and bone damage and possibly the loss of teeth.

Symptoms of Gum Recession

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

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

My teeth were making me look really old. So, I decided that if I could get them fixed up, maybe it would help. And it did, a lot! I’m much more comfortable giving a big grin… It was painless, it was easy and it was so worth anything to go through this. I love my teeth!.

– Cindy

What Causes Receded Gums?

There are a number of causes of 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 gum recession. First, your dentist will conduct a deep cleaning specifically designed to address the cause of your receding gums. In advanced cases of receded gums, grafting is required to replace the damaged tissue. While there are natural treatments for gum recession, 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 practicing good oral hygiene. Brushing your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled brush, flossing every day, and scheduling a bi-annual professional cleaning with your dentist are excellent ways to promote healthy gums and your overall dental health. 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 gum recession 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.

Receding Gums and Bleeding Gums