Receding Gums Treatment

Receding gums is a disease of the gums that causes erosion of the gum tissue which results in the exposure of the roots of the tooth. It is considered as an indicator of a serious periodontal disease. Most of the time, this condition is observed in people above 40 years.

Sometimes, it is considered as a sign of aging, and is therefore ignored. But, it should be known that receding gums can be a symptom of other severe dental as well as non-dental disorders.

Apart from these, the other causes are eating disorders, lip or tongue piercings, and even tobacco consumption.

Over aggressive brushing can wear out the tooth enamel and expose the root. This is known as toothbrush abrasion. Receding gums can also be caused due to periodontal diseases, or due to misaligned teeth causing excess plaque to get built up inside the gum line.

Receding gums is a disease that advances very slowly and hence, the symptoms do not appear immediately. The symptoms remain unnoticed for a longer period until other problems start arising.

 In most of the cases, people do not experience any sort of pain, and hence, are not aware of the disorder. Here are the common signs and symptoms of receding gums:

• Exposed roots of tooth
• Cavities below gum line
• Tooth becomes very sensitive
• Increase in space between teeth
• Gum bleeding while brushing

If you observe the above symptoms, you should immediately visit the dentist. As mentioned above, in most of the cases, receding gums is caused due to over aggressive brushing. One can overcome it by using a softer toothbrush and changing his brushing techniques.

As teeth become oversensitive, the dentist may prescribe you an ointment or agent to desensitize your teeth. There are also certain toothpastes that provide relief. Misaligned teeth can be corrected through dental treatments.

On the other hand, if the gums are severely recessed, the dentist may advice you to undergo an advanced treatment known as gum grafting or periodontal plastic surgery.

It can involve two different types, either repositioning the tissue from the adjacent gum or using a graft from other part of the mouth to replace the eroded gum tissue. The treatment is undertaken using local anesthesia and is not painful.

Overall dental hygiene is required to prevent receding gums. Vitamin supplements of C and B complex vitamins can help in preventing gum damage. Similarly, one should have adequate intake of minerals like calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus for good dental health.

Although most of the people avoid it, it is advisable to have a regular dental checkup in order to prevent severe dental problems.

You should not ignore minor dental problems as they can indicate onset of receding gums. It is recommended to undertake treatment as early as possible to avoid loss of teeth.

Disclaimer: The information in the story is meant only for educational purposes. It is recommended to consult the doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.