Should I Be Worried About Receding Gums?

When it comes to the mouth, everyone wants the same things. Strong, healthy and good-looking teeth, framed by healthy gums.It is abundantly clear that well-maintained teeth and gums have a positive effect on your physical health. There is also ample evidence that a healthy and attractive mouth gives people a boost to their mental and emotional health.

That is why you should be concerned about receding gums. According to the NHS,almost half ofthe UK has some form of irreversible receding gum tissue. That means almost 50% of the adult population over 30 is at risk of complications due to receding gums.

What Causes Receding Gums?

According to Chetan from Sheffield dentist Mola Dental “Receding gums, sometimes referred to as periodontal disease, are caused by the accumulation of bacteria along the teeth. This build-up of bacteria leads to inflammation, as well as the hardening of a bacteria-induced film called plaque, all of which leads to the receding of your gum line.”

What Are the Warning Signs of Receding Gums?

Knowing how to spot the problem before it gets out of hand is important. Ideally, everyone would use preventative measures 100% of the time and no one would ever have receding gums. 

However, the real world has variables that can be hard to control and your dental hygiene routine may not be perfect every day. That is why it is important to be able to see the warning signs for what they are: a chance to change before it’s too late. What are these signs?

• Sensitive teeth
• Gums receding and exposing more of the teeth
• Swollen gums
• Bleeding gums while flossing or brushing
• Bad breath
• Etc.

Who is Most at Risk for Receding Gums?

Research has shown that receding gums may be a regular part of ageing. There are also other factors that could lead to the conditions which encourage gum recession. What factors?

1. Overlyaggressive or misplaced brushing of the teeth could lead to receding gums.
2. Lack of professional dental care will inevitably lead to gum problems.
3. Genetics may also play a part in whether or not you are susceptible to receding gums.

What Can I Do if I Have Receding Gums Already?

First thing first, speak to your dentist. Explain the situation and get in there for their professional opinion and help. If you do have receding gums, they can help you by…

• Cleaning and scaling your teeth, manually removing the bacteria and plaque. They will also smooth the teeth to make it difficult for the bacteria to return.
• If the situation is really bad, gum surgery may be necessary to salvage gums and teeth.

How Can I Avoid Receding Gums as I Age?

The recipe for success when it comes to avoiding receding gums is simple. You may have heard it a time or two from your dentist, perhaps every time you go in for a cleaning or dental work…
Regular brushing, twice a day. Floss daily. See a dental professional like this dentist in San Leandro at least once a year, ideally twice. That’s it. Simple daily steps and regular, professional maintenance are all you need to avoid the negative effects of receding gums.