Gum Disease Can Cause Ailments Elsewhere in the Body

The gums (gingiva) are the soft tissues of the mouth that surround and support teeth. Healthy gums fit snugly against teeth. When gum lines pull away from the teeth, it is called receding gums or gum recession.

There are many factors that can lead to gum disease and other dental threats that is why awareness and vigilance is essential. Gum recession, commonly known as receding gums, is a common problem in adults over the age of 40, but may also occur starting from the teens.

Receding gums are usually symptoms of an underlying problem, such as gum disease or an injury (such as trauma or abrasion). Some people may have gums that are naturally thin and therefore are more prone to recession. Older people are also more likely to have the condition because recession increases with age. Diagnosing the cause of gum recession includes a dental examination, x-rays and dental history and family medical history.

There are many causes of receding gums, stopping these causes is vital for effective results. Because of its limited capacity to regenerate, gum tissue lost as a result of overzealous brushing is permanently lost. In cases of severe recession, dentists can perform an operation to graft tissue from one part of the mouth to cover the exposed areas. Know what you can about your teeth and gums to properly protect them from potential harms and risks that may come along.

Receding gums can be caused by a number of factors, including brushing too hard, mouth injuries or trauma, smoking, oral piercing, misaligned, gapped or crooked teeth and periodontal disease – the inflammation and infection of the gums, bones and tissues that anchor teeth to the jaw.

Depending on the severity of the recession and the underlying cause, treatment can be surgical or non-surgical. For some, improving home oral care alone may be enough to restore gums to their previous healthy condition. Toothbrushes with pressure-sensitive handles that automatically shut off when too much pressure is applied to the teeth can be used to reduce gum recession caused by brushing too hard. People experiencing tooth sensitivity may need to use desensitizing toothpaste.