Common Causes of Gum Recession

Gum recession can be extremely scary and painful to experience. However, there is really no need to worry if you're willing to seek out the treatment you need to stop the gum recession immediately. In the meantime, there are several steps you can take while you are still at home that may serve as an effective way to stop the gum recession or at least limit it until you have the ability to visit our clinic. If you do have gum recession. you should schedule an appointment as soon as possible to discuss our non-invasive solutions. Coming in to consult with us will allow us to address any oral health matters and find out what other health measures need to be taken in order to stop and reverse your gum recession. Gum recession is a relatively common occurrence and can happen to anybody for any number of reasons. Gingival recession, also known as gum recession, is the process by which the gum tissue is recessed and lowers its position on the tooth. When this happens, the roots of the teeth can become exposed. Life habits, genetics, and tooth positioning can all influence gingival recession.

Causes of Gum Recession 

Overly aggressive brushing and flossing of your teeth can actually lead to gum recession. According to the Journal of Periodontology, you need to make sure you are brushing and not scrubbing your teeth. It is a common myth that you need to use an extremely hard bristle toothbrush to get your teeth properly clean. As a matter of fact, the American Dental Association highly recommends using a medium to soft toothbrush, because an overly hard toothbrush can damage your teeth and gums.

One of the most common causes of gum recession comes from your genetics. Your gums' characteristics are determined by your DNA, and if one or more of your parents have gum recession, you stand an extremely high chance of also having the condition. In addition to your genetics, you may have abnormal tooth positioning, which can also lead to gum recession because the teeth are not in proper alignment with each other. Naturally, good oral health habits, having a dental relationship that involves coming into the clinic at least once every six months, and keeping an eye on your gums can help offset and even restrict this condition from occurring.

Did you know that grinding your teeth in the night, a condition commonly known as bruxism, can actually lead to gum recession as well? If you find that you often wake up in the morning with a headache, or have been told by a significant other that you grind your teeth in your sleep, you will want to consult with your dentist. Bruxism is actually an extremely common condition and can be easily and comfortably treated with the help of a mouth guard or using one of many other options available.

Trauma to your gums as a result of an accident can result in the gums receding, but by far the most common reason why people tend to experience this condition is as a result of poor oral health.  Fortunately, we can improve your oral health and treat your gum recession in our clinic.  Call our office to schedule your treatment today.

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Preventing Further Gum Recession

Gum recession also referred to as gingival recession, is an aesthetically unpleasing condition in which the gum lines begin to recede and pull away from the teeth, resulting in root exposure and an elongated tooth surface. It is an embarrassing condition for most patients who feel it affects their overall appearance negatively, and it can also cause discomfort and sensitivity. In some cases, untreated gum recession can lead to dental caries in the root area if it is not already present. Receding gums can also eventually cause tooth loss. If you currently have receding gums that are not infected or currently inflamed due to gum disease, you may be able to prevent further recession with gentle care and a few tips.

First, you should know what the exact causes of gum recession are. Some causes are preventable while others, sadly, are not. One that cannot be avoided is age. Over 85% of adults over 65 years of age presently have gum recession, while only about 50% of adults between the ages of 18 and 65 are currently affected. Gingival tissue weakens with age so you should brush more gently and continue to seek out regular dental care as you age. Another unavoidable cause of gingival recession is the inherited disposition for it. Outside of these cases, gum recession usually develops due to poor or overzealous dental care. Failing to brush and floss regularly can result in gum disease and recession while brushing too hard can also cause your gums to recede.

If you currently have malpositioned teeth and gum recession as a side effect, it is never too late to receive orthodontic treatment that could be beneficial to your dental health. Having your teeth straightened will take extra stress off of delicate soft tissues and allow you to clean your teeth and gums better without harming them. If your teeth are generally straight, these other tips may help you avoid further gum recession:

Proper brushing and flossing habits including cleaning with a gentle yet firm circular motion and flossing twice daily without pushing the floss too roughly against your gums.

Get fitted for a night guard that may decrease pressure and abrasion on your gums while you sleep. Many people grind their teeth and clench their jaws while they sleep which results in excessive wear on the gum tissues.

Avoid biting your nails or chewing on pens and pencils. This can be abrasive to your gums, causing recession, and it introduces germs into your mouth that could lead to infection.

Invest in a soft bristle toothbrush.

Consider treatments that will help replace missing gum tissue like gum grafts. Added gum tissue may help protect your tooth roots, decreasing the chance for infection and discomfort, and it could improve your overall appearance.

In addition to these simple tips, don’t forget to keep up with regular visits to your dentist. The better we get to know your individual situation, the more confidently we can recommend helpful strategies to reduce the progression of gum recession.

Tips for Gum Recession Prevention

Gum recession can affect any person, even someone who has a healthy mouth. According to many studies, approximately 50 percent of people have some form of gum recession. Once you develop gum recession, it can be hard to combat, but it is not impossible. To avoid the extra hassle and dental costs, try these tips to prevent gum recession altogether.

Gum Recession Definition and Causes

Gum recession typically occurs after a person has had gum disease, which is the infection and inflammation of the gum line. It is a side effect of the gums fighting off infection and growing weaker. Because of the stress, the tissues gradually break down. Gum recession can also occur simply due to congenital causes like thin, fragile gums, which is why so many people with healthy teeth and gums experience it. You also risk developing gum recession if you brush your teeth too vigorously daily. The persistent pressure on your gum line can cause it to recede. Crowded teeth and small jawbones are a few other causes of gum recession, in addition to many others. When gum recession occurs, the gingival margin (gum line) will gradually move away from the crown of the tooth, eventually exposing roots, causing discomfort, and leading to tooth loss.

Gum Recession Prevention

Brushing and Flossing

The best way to prevent gum recession is to keep up with proper oral hygiene practices. You should brush and floss daily. Brush your teeth at least twice every day, but more brushing, like after meals, is encouraged. You should floss once a day to keep food particles and bacteria from getting wedged into your gum line. Mouthwash can also be used daily after brushing and flossing to kill extra bacteria. These practices will help prevent gum disease that could lead to gum recession.

Regular Dentist Visits

Visiting the dentist regularly is also a great way to prevent gum recession. A dentist will be able to tell if you could be experiencing the early signs of gum disease or gum recession. They will be able to treat these conditions to prevent them from developing further. A dentist can also keep your teeth as clean as possible, so the likelihood of developing gum disease and recession is lessened.

Braces

Since crowded teeth can lead to gum recession, going through braces treatment could straighten your teeth and prevent recession from occurring. Braces can also make your teeth generally easier to clean, which leads to a healthier mouth overall.

Tips on Brushing

If you brush your teeth too aggressively, gum recession is inevitable. Try brushing your teeth with a firm but gentle circular motion to clean each tooth thoroughly and gently. If you need tips on getting the best clean without harming your gums, talk to a dentist. You should also ask your dentist what type of toothbrush is best for you.

These simple steps could help prevent gum recession. If receding gums are hereditary in your family, talk to your dentist about others ways you could keep your teeth and gums healthy and strong. We can fill you in on everything you should know about the causes and treatment of gum recession.

Who Is at Risk for Gum Recession?

Gum recession is a common problem that affects the dental structure of many people. Most patients do not even know they have receding gums because it occurs over an extended period of time. Gum recession is a long process in which the edge of the gum tissue that attaches to the tooth's surface begins to wear and pull back, revealing more of your tooth and the structures that support it. As gum recession occurs, pockets in the gums can form, leaving them more vulnerable to bacteria buildup and severe gum disease. The first signs you may have gum recession are tooth sensitivity, gum redness, gum irritation, or teeth that appear long. If not treated, gum recession can lead to tooth root exposure, tooth loss, and the damage of the supporting bone structure.

Signs of High-Risk Gum Recession Candidates

Gum recession can occur for many reasons. Commonly, gum recession is a genetic problem. Other contributors to gum recession are gum disease, poor oral hygiene, tobacco use, pregnancy, menopause, teeth grinding, aggressive teeth brushing, and crooked teeth.

Gum Disease: Gum disease as a result of poor oral hygiene is the main cause of receding gums. Gum disease, or the more severe version, periodontal disease, is a bacterial gum infection that causes chronic inflammation, tissue deterioration, gum bleeding, discomfort, and potentially tooth loss. Since gum disease causes so much inflammation and tissue deterioration in the gums, gum recession is one of the most prevalent symptoms. Gum disease can be prevented by visiting the dentist regularly and employing proper at-home oral hygiene care.

Poor Oral Hygiene: Poor oral hygiene quickly leads to an overproduction of bacteria and plaque in the mouth. When plaque is not removed by regular brushing and dentist visits, it develops into a harder form called tartar that can only be removed professionally. Tartar and bacteria growth lead to inflamed gums and gum disease, which have the symptom of gum recession.

Tobacco Use: The toxins in tobacco irritate the soft gum tissues, leading to inflammation. Chronic inflammation can cause tissue depletion and recession.

Pregnancy and Menopause: Pregnancy, menopause, and other hormonal changes contribute to gum recession. The hormone fluctuation makes gums more sensitive to everyday use, leading to gum recession.

Teeth Grinding: Vast amounts of unnecessary pressure caused by teeth grinding and other bad habits, like nail biting, lead to gum recession.

Aggressive Teeth Brushing: If you are brushing your teeth too hard, your gums will gradually get pushed further back, resulting in gum recession and exposed tooth roots. When brushing, use a firm, but gentle circular motion to thoroughly cleanse each tooth and the gums. No excessive pressure is needed.

Crooked Teeth: When your teeth are crooked, different areas receive more pressure during chewing and speaking. This can lead to heavy use and pressure on certain areas of your gums, which will then cause gum recession. If you have one or two teeth that continually irritate an area of your gums, you may notice gum recession in this localized area. Crooked teeth also make it harder to reach every inch of your gums during flossing, which can lead to bacteria buildup and gum recession.

These are just a few reasons why some patients are at more of a risk of developing gum recession. We can help stop your gum recession, remove damaged tissue and bacteria, and improve the structure of your gums when you visit our office. If you have questions about how you can prevent gum recession, we can also answer those inquiries.

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Learn How to Prevent Gum Recession

Having gum recession can be frustrating, aesthetically unpleasant, and detrimental to your oral health. If you have started noticing signs of gum recession, or you just want to ensure that it never develops, we have some tips that might be helpful for you to begin utilizing.

•    Visit the dentist.
It may sound like an obvious solution, but many people avoid visiting the dentist on a regular basis. This prevents them from realizing when they may be at risk for gum recession. When you visit a dentist for an appointment, we can notify you if we notice any signs of recession or gum disease. We can also direct you to changes that need to be made to your oral hygiene regimen. This can be invaluable information when you are trying to prevent detrimental and unsightly gum recession.

•    Adjust your brushing habits.
When you use a toothbrush that is too hard or puts too much pressure on your teeth and gums when you brush, you are weakening your oral tissues. Aggressive brushing habits may seem like a good idea to deter plaque from developing, but they are actually making your teeth and gums more vulnerable to other problems like gum recession and tooth loss. Brush your teeth with a firm, but gentle pressure and circular motion. If you have been using a toothbrush with hard bristles, you may also consider getting medium or soft grade bristles.

•    Over flossing may be the culprit.
Flossing is a wonderful habit to have, but when you over floss, you could be weakening your gums. Flossing removes plaque, but once you have flossed once or twice a day, you should avoid doing so anymore unless you have something stuck in your teeth. Flossing too much puts unnecessary pressure on your gums and may encourage them to recede.

•    It may be in your genes.
Unfortunately, you may just have an inherited predisposition for thin gums and gum recession. If this is the case, you should definitely be brushing more gently, and you should consider having a gum graft before your gum recession becomes severe.

•    Biting your nails, pencils, or any other foreign objects.
If you have the habit of putting objects into your mouth to chew on, you may also be scratching your gums without noticing. You should already be trying to stop these biting habits as they are bad for your dental enamel, but they can also lead to gum recession.

•    Periodontal disease could be to blame.
Periodontal disease, a severe form of gum disease, is the main culprit of gum recession. To avoid developing periodontal disease, practice proper oral hygiene and visit a dentist at least twice a year for check-ups and cleanings.
Once you form these habits, you should be on the road to better oral health and less likelihood of developing gum recession. Also, keep in mind that you should visit your dentist every 3-6 months if you think your gums may already be receding. A dentist will be able to keep an eye on the amount of gum tissue you are losing. We can also perform a gum graft as needed and help with extreme cases of gum recession.

What Are the Main Causes of Gum Recession?

Many people don’t realize they are at risk for gum recession, but there are many hidden causes. Gum recession can be an uncomfortable and aesthetically unappealing problem for many people. Our guide to the causes of gum recession may help you avoid this unfortunate circumstance. Prevention this condition is possible, you just have to know how.

Periodontal disease is the most common offender when it comes to causing gum recession. Periodontal Disease is often more simply referred to as gum disease.  It begins with common plaque growth on your teeth or mistreatment of your gums. Plaque is a bacterial form created by poor dental hygiene. In some plaque instances, the lack of thorough brushing and flossing may be the culprit. Consuming sugary or acidic substances without washing your mouth out or employing dental care also causes plaque. When plaque stays on your teeth long enough it turns into tartar, causing tooth decay and gum inflammation. Gum inflammation is also called Gingivitis. At this stage, it is easy to turn around your oral health and eliminate these problems by a simple visit to your dentist for treatment. If these offenders go unchallenged, they can turn into a more serious issue— periodontal disease. This is a deep gum infection that causes your gums to disengage from your teeth, leading to gum recession.

People who commonly use tobacco products are at high risk for gum recession.  Smoke, nicotine, and chewing tobacco all make blood vessels in your gums constrict, causing blood loss to important tissues. They also cause gum irritation and inflammation in general. Chronic inflammation can lead to gum disease, and in turn, gum recession.

Crooked teeth and orthodontic straightening treatments are two more unfortunate circumstances that can cause gum recession. If your teeth are naturally misaligned, the strenuous brushing and flossing process it takes to clean your teeth may irritate your gums. The natural tendency of your teeth to pull against each other may also put stress on your gums. Alternately, if you have orthodontic treatment to straighten your teeth, the process can be done too quickly. If this happens, it can move your teeth too quickly for your gums to adjust correctly. Make sure your orthodontist knows about your concerns and adjusts braces and aligning mechanisms appropriately and slowly.

Finally, it is incredibly important that you seek annual dental care. Your dentist can instruct you on proper teeth and gum treatment and on how to avoid possible gum recession. They can also catch issues before you may notice that they are occurring. Fortunately, gum recession does not have to be a problem for your oral health. Take preventative precautions and maintain excellent oral hygiene in your daily life. Don’t brush too briskly or floss too harshly. Treat your gums and teeth with the best care and notify your dentist if you notice any inflammation, discoloration, or discomfort of your gums. The proper care and attention is needed to provide you with the best odds against the many causes of gum recession.  If, however, your gums do recede, we are a specialist that provides non-invasive treatment options to restore your gums to excellent health.

Here Are Common Causes of Gum Recession

Gum recession is a very common dental problem that occurs in a large number of Americans. Described as the process whereby the gum tissue gradually pulls backward or wears down, gum recession can leave you with hyper exposed teeth or even have the gum exposed to the surface. In addition, this problem can cause there to be pockets and gaps in between the teeth, which make it easier for infections to occur due to the bacteria building up within these gaps or pockets. Most people do not realize that they are experiencing gum recession since it is an extremely slow process. However, it is strongly advised to seek dental, or orthodontic, treatment for gum recession as left untreated it will result in repeated infections that can ultimately damage the structure of the teeth, bone, and gums. 

Periodontists treat gum recession and know that seeking treatment is critical to your mouth's overall health. Unlike many gum diseases, gum recession can occur naturally and is often caused by habits that erode the gums over time. There are other factors as to why gum recession occurs, some more serious than other, and there are a number of treatment options that you should consider and go over in depth in our dentist office.

So what causes gum recession in the first place? 

Gum recession can be caused by a number of factors. Some of these are – 

•    Aggressive tooth brushing can cause the gums to start to wear away. People who have a tendency to brush their teeth too hard or use an extremely hard toothbrush run the risk of rubbing away their gums that can ultimately lead to the gums receding. Excessive or overly aggressive brushing can also lead to the enamel on the teeth being worn away, which can also lead to gum recession.
•    Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection that will attack your gums. The direct result of this is that your gums will start to recede, leading to gum recession along with a host of other complications. This bacteria will destroy the gums and the bones that hold your teeth in place making it imperative that you seek treatment immediately if you suspect that you have gum recession as a result of periodontal disease.
•    Just like aggressive brushing of the teeth can lead to the gums starting to recede, getting insufficient dental care can also lead to this condition. If the teeth are not cleaned enough, tartar builds up on the teeth. Also known as calculus, this build up can only be removed by extensive professional dental cleaning which can also lead to the gums receding.
•    Bad habits like the use of tobacco are direct causes of gum recession as well. Tobacco users are more likely to have sticky plaque on their teeth that can result in the gums being affected and ultimately wearing down. In a similar manner, people with tongue or lip piercings are at a higher risk for gum recession. The stud in a piercing will constantly rub  against the gums, causing irritation and ultimately a level of erosion which leads to the gums receding as well. 

To learn more about how to prevent or treat gum recession, call and schedule an appointment with our dental office. 

What is the Cause of Gum Recession?

Adults over forty are at the greatest risk for gum recession.  While a common problem, if left untreated it can lead to tooth pain, infection, and gum disease.  At the Perio & Implant Center of Monterey Bay, Dr. Pechak treats gum recession and gum disease so that patients can stay in the best oral health possible.  There are ways to prevent gum recession with ongoing dental care.  When done correctly, you can stop gums from receding before they cause any damage. 

It is important to understand how it develops in the first place.  Here are some of the common triggers:

• Gum disease.  Those suffering from gum disease will often have their gums recede as well.  The best way to avoid gum disease is to brush regularly and floss along with visiting the dentist twice a year for teeth cleaning.  The dental hygienist can remove bacteria from on and around the gum line that can create an infection.  Typically, removing the bacteria is enough to prevent gum disease. 
• Flossing incorrectly.  It is important to floss gently. People that are too aggressive can cut into their gums and increase their risk of them becoming infected. 
• Aggressive brushing.  Gum recession can start due to aggressive tooth brushing.  Using a hard toothbrush increases the risk so switch to a soft or electronic one instead.  Brush thoroughly but gently in order to prevent gum irritation. 
• Stomach acid.  Those with an eating disorder or severe stomach acid may be at risk for gum recession as the acid attacks the gums and teeth. 
• Chewing tobacco.  Smokeless tobacco products increase the risk of gum disease and oral cancer. They are bad for your teeth and your gums. 
• Diabetes.  One of the signs of uncontrolled blood sugar levels is restricted blood flow to the gums.  This can lead to gum disease since diabetics in general have a more difficult time fighting off infection. 
• Lip and tongue piercings.  When the piercing rubs against the gums it can lead to damage and gum recession. 
• Genetics.  Some people are predisposed to gum recession due to their genetics.  If your parents had it you should see a dentist on a regular basis to reduce your risk. 

Gum recession can often be prevented by preventing gum disease. The easiest way to do so is to take care of your teeth and gums at home then visit the dentist twice a year for a regular teeth cleaning. By removing bacteria from around the gums, your gums will naturally become healthier.  Gums that are plagued with bacteria will become more and more damaged over time. 

Those who are currently suffering from gum recession will benefit from working with Dr. Pechak at the Perio & Implant Center.  As a Board Certified Periodontist, he is an expert at treating gum disease and gum recession and can perform gum plastic surgery to correct the problem.  By restoring the missing gum tissue, pain will be reduced, teeth will become more secure, and overall oral health is promoted.  To learn more, call and schedule an appointment today.

Stopping Gum Recession in its Tracks

Over eighty percent of the adult population experience gum recession.  It can be prevented and stopped before it causes pain or discomfort.  They key is preventative care to stop it in its tracks.  As soon as your gums start to experience problems, seek immediate treatment to reverse the damage.

As a periodontist, Dr. Pechak is an expert at treating gum disease.  The first step is to prevent it from ever happening.  Good preventative care can keep gums healthy.  This is done by brushing after meals, using floss on a daily basis, and rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash to kill bacteria.  People can also keep their teeth and gums healthier by drinking plenty of water, not smoking or using tobacco products, eating a healthy diet, and visiting the dentist twice a year.  These regular dental exams give our staff the ability to remove bacteria and plaque while Dr. Pechak identifies any signs of gum disease that require further treatment.

Gum disease starts as gingivitis, which is completely treatable and reversible.  By removing bacteria from the gum line, gums can regain their natural health.  Gum recession is often caused by gum disease that is left untreated. There are additional risk factors such a hormonal changes, using tobacco products, aggressive brushing, and genetics but these can typically be mitigated by regular teeth cleanings.  Those that have a greater risk should schedule their cleaning for two or more times per year. 

If Dr. Pechak identifies gum recession, he will likely start the treatment by conducting a thorough cleaning of the teeth and gums.  This can be done at the surface of the gums unless the bacteria has spread.  If so, a procedure called tooth scaling and root planning will be performed.  This is where the gum tissue is pulled back, and the bacteria underneath it is removed.  Antibiotics can also help to eliminate any lingering bacteria.  When the procedure is complete, the gum tissue will be securely placed over the tooth. Tooth scaling and root planning can help to restore the health and functionality of your gums before any more serious intervention is required.

Immediate treatment will prevent your gums from receding further and exposing your tooth, the root system, and bone structure to attacks by viscous bacteria.  Gum recession is dangerous due to that simple fact.  When the gums recede, other areas are exposed, and pockets are created where the bacteria can accumulate.  This puts the health of the tooth and entire mouth at risk.  When bacteria attacks the gums and bone it can cause an abscess, an extremely painful condition which can interrupt daily life.   An abscess is not something that can be ignored, because when the infection spreads it can get all the way into your neck, creating the need for a surgical procedure to drain out the infection. This is a highly unpleasant scenario that can be avoided by simply treating gum disease and gum recession early.

If you notice that your teeth are more sensitive or appear longer, you may have the early signs of gum recession.  If this is the case, call the Perio & Implant Center of the Monterey Bay to schedule an appointment for a dental examination and teeth cleaning. 

Dentist Tips for Stopping Gum Recession

We can help to prevent gum recession and correct it once started.  Your gums are extremely important for the overall health of your mouth.  Gums hold your teeth in place and cover up sensitive roots, preventing bacteria and plaque from reaching them.  Poor gum health may eventually lead to tooth loss, in addition to pain.

As a local dentist, we help patients to stay healthy.  There are many things that can lead to poor oral health.  This includes not brushing and flossing enough and not visiting the dentist on a regular basis.  Fortunately, there are simple things you can do to stay healthy.  Here are our favorite tips.

·         Visit the dentist twice a year.  You can brush and floss daily and still not reach all of the bacteria that forms in your mouth.  There are some areas that are simply too difficult to get to.  A professional teeth cleaning will remove the plaque and bacteria that you were unable to reach.  We can also remove tartar which is a harder substance and nearly impossible to remove on your own.  These regular visits can keep you in good health and prevent gum recession.

·         Pay attention to risk factors.  If you are a smoker, you are at greater risk for all types of oral health issues due to the sticky plaque that is caused by smoking.  This plaque can lead to cavities and gum disease.  Another risk factor is hormonal changes.  Puberty, pregnancy, and menopause can all put women at greater risk for sensitive gums and oral health problems.  If you are at greater risk ask your dentist how often you should have your teeth cleaned.  You may need to come in more frequently than twice a year. 

·         At home routine.  While, at home, you should brush your teeth with a soft toothbrush at least twice a day, floss daily, and use an antiseptic mouthwash daily.  These three things combined will help to remove bacteria and prevent plaque from forming.  At home care is essential for maintaining the health of your gums and teeth.

·         Correct your bite.  If your bite is off it will place additional pressure on your teeth and gums which can cause gum recession.  When you correct your bite, the rest of your mouth will thank you.

·         Stay hydrated.  Your mouth needs to produce saliva in order to wash away bacteria.  In order to do so, your body needs to stay hydrated so drink plenty of water.  If you don’t like the taste of water try a sugar free drink instead.

Gum recession is a serious condition that can lead to a lot of pain.  As gums recede, pockets can form in between the teeth and gum line where bacteria can hide and grow.  These exposed areas will make your teeth and gums more sensitive while the bacteria attacks your teeth and can cause tooth decay or the need for a root canal.  We can do a deep cleaning of your gums both at and underneath your gum line to remove bacteria.  Once removed, your gums will start to feel healthier again, and the severe, permanent damage can be corrected.  Call us to schedule an appointment today. 

The Game against Gum Recession

Learning you have gum recession can come as quite a shock. It can creeps up on you after years of brushing twice a day and in between meals, flossing, and the morning ritual rinse of Listerine. But sometimes, it just happens, it can develop over time for a variety of reasons. There are many other factors that can cause someone to develop gum recession including, hormonal changes, certain illnesses like diabetes or cancer, excessive teeth brushing, being a chronic smoker, to a history of family dental diagnoses. In fact, according to the American Academy of Periodontology, thirty-percent of Americans are susceptible due to their genetic make-up.

There are signs that occur before someone develops full onset gum recession. And it is important to pay attention to these signs, as it can lead to gum disease. Simple signs of recession are tooth sensitivity, sudden notice of the difference in size of a tooth, to a bump that can be felt at the gum line. These are not signs someone wants to ignore, and should go for a consult right away to rule out gingivitis, or inflammation of the gums that cause bleeding easily while brushing your teeth. But, you also should rule out gum disease as recession is a starting sign of it. Gum recession is treatable, without doctor intervention, if no damage to the bones in the gums has happened, yet. You can start by brushing your teeth further towards the gum line, helping rid the plaque that has built up. Another easy step is rinsing with an anti-gingivitis oral rinse, like Listerine. The best way to prevent gum recession is to watch out for the warning signs and to do what you can to make sure it doesn’t turn into full fledged infected gums. But, some people are not so lucky with warning signs, or they may have started their efforts too late, or they simply did not notice and were already susceptible to gum disease with their family dental history.

If gum recession has reached the step of gum disease, there are warning signs for that, as well. Signs and symptoms include bleeding gums when brushing at every brush, tender or receding gums, constant bad odor from your breath, loose teeth to changes in how dentures fit or how your teeth come together when you clamp them together. These are all possible warning signs of treatable, or severe gum disease and a sure fire sign to call your dentist. But gum disease doesn’t come down to the bi-annual cavity check; an action plan needs to be taken, and treatment is usually done by a periodontist.

In an effort to treat gum recession, a dentist, or periodontist will definitely confirm if you are in the early stages of the diagnosis, or if your case is more severe. Whichever stage, the first goal is to eliminate the symptoms you are experiencing, all of them. The second is to battle the gum recession head on. The first step is getting a consult, and there is no better place than the Perio & Implant Center of the Monterey Bay. The staff here specializes in gum recession and gum disease, and will work with you on a treatment plan. Whatever that turns out to be, whether by deep cleaning the excess loss of bone, or by surgical intervention, rest assured you and your teeth are in good hands at the Perio & Implant Center. If you are experiencing even the slightest of warning signs, called us today! The friendly staff and their expertise in gum recession and disease is one of the area’s best. Perio & Implant Center of Monterey Bay- where patients go to safeguard their gums!