Noticed Your Gums Pulling Away?
When your gums pull away from your teeth, it is called gingival recession. It can affect to people of all age groups even if the person takes good care of his or her teeth. It can affect only certain areas of your mouth or can also be present throughout.
When your teeth are healthy, gums fit around them like a cuff. With gum recession the tissues pull away and cause the exposure of the root part of the tooth. Over time the bone level also goes down in the particular area. Since, the root does not have strong protective covering like the top(crown) part it becomes very sensitive to heat and cold and becomes very prone to decay. When the gum recession becomes extreme one can also simply loose their tooth, as there nothing stays to hold the tooth in position.
Causes for recession
- gum disease
- using hard bristle tooth brush and also, if brushing your teeth too hard
- dentures which don’t fit right
- genetics- some people might be born with it
- smoking or using any kind of tobacco
To prevent gum disease
- brush your teeth twice a day
- clean between your teeth with floss or another inter-dental cleaner once every day
- visit your dentist for a checkup and professional cleaning regularly
- show your dentist how you brush and clean between your teeth and ask if you can make any improvements.
If you smoke or chew tobacco, stop. Tobacco use increases the risk of developing periodontal (gum) disease.
Symptoms include
- gums that are red and swollen and bleed easily
- gums that seem to have pulled away from the teeth
- constant bad breath
- pus between your teeth and gums
- teeth that seem to be loose or moving away from one another
- change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
- change in the way your partial dentures fit
If you notice your gums pulling away you should consult your Dentist, for recommended treatment plan to preserve your oral health.
