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Understanding the Risks of Gum Receding

"I've noticed that one tooth is growing longer than the rest. Sometimes it looks less red and doesn't bleed, but […]
Gum Receding Brisbane

"I've noticed that one tooth is growing longer than the rest. Sometimes it looks less red and doesn't bleed, but I'm worried about gum receding and losing those three teeth. Can I do something to stop or reverse gum recession and save those teeth? My other gums seem to be healthy."

– Question from Anna of Mango Hill in Brisbane

Dental Hygienist, Jessica Nethery  replies:

One important thing we need to think about is why the gums are receding. If we don't figure this out, it's going to be hard to make the recession stop.

 

 

There are two general causes for gum recession:

  1. If there is an infection like gingivitis or periodontal disease, the gums might look a different shade of red, blue, or purple. They might also bleed sometimes when you brush your teeth, but this can be different for each person. To be sure, your dentist will use a special tool called a periodontal probe and take X-rays of your teeth. That's how they can tell for sure what's going on with your gums. Gum Receding
  2. Sometimes, the way our teeth are positioned in the jawbone can cause a problem called fenestrations. This means that there are parts of the tooth root where there is no bone covering it, just the gum touching the tooth. This can happen naturally or after having orthodontic treatment when teeth move through the bone. When this happens, it's common for the gum to recede, meaning it moves back. Usually, the gum will stop receding once it touches the bone again.

Gum recession can be different for each tooth and each person, which is why it's important to visit the dentist. They can measure your gums and check for any signs of gum recession. Our dentist office has a 3D X-ray machine that helps us get a clearer picture of these problems compared to other X-ray machines, and we're really excited about it!

What can be done to treat receding gums? Is it possible to stop the gum recession?

When we treat receding gums, the first thing we do is check if there is gum disease or infection, and we take care of that first. If we can stop the infection, it can help stop the gum recession. It's important to do this as early as possible to increase the chances of saving the teeth.

If the gum recession is caused by the way your teeth are formed, there are ways to restore or graft gum tissue. Although the gum will attach to the tooth, the new attachment may not be as strong as the original. It can be more delicate and may be at risk of recession happening again.

Currently, there is ongoing research about different ways to treat the root of the tooth to make the gum attachment stronger. However, even with the same dentist performing the treatment, results can vary from person to person. This means that, unfortunately, there is no foolproof way for a patient to fully restore their gum attachment.
Gum Receding

Caring for teeth with receded gums

When the gum recedes and exposes more of the tooth, those areas are at a higher risk of getting cavities. In fact, they can be up to 8 times more likely to get cavities. The part of the tooth that is exposed when the gum recedes doesn't have a protective layer called enamel. The enamel on the rest of the tooth is made up of 97% minerals, but the exposed part is only 40% minerals. This means that the exposed tooth is softer, more sensitive, and can get worn down more easily when you brush it a lot.

In older patients, one of the main reasons they can lose teeth is because of gum recession. Sometimes, when gum recession happens along with taking medications that reduce saliva flow (saliva helps protect our teeth), the roots of the teeth can decay quickly.

If your gums are receding, I suggest using a toothpaste and mouth rinse that have a lot of fluoride. You can buy these at your local chemist.

Grandma smiling gum

Every tooth in your smile is unique and different from the others

It's a common misunderstanding that all teeth in your mouth are equally likely to have problems. However, if you have some teeth with receding gums, those teeth need extra care. I suggest having your Preventative Care appointment more frequently, to get fluoride applied to those at-risk teeth and to keep an eye on them.

FAQ:

“Why are my gums receding?”

Answer: These are the causes why the gums are receding:

  • Brushing with excessive force or aggressiveness
  • Accumulation of dental plaque or tartar,
  • Presence of periodontal disease,
  • Injury or trauma to the gum tissue,
  • Irregular tooth positioning (misalignment) and
  • Use of tobacco (through smoking or chewing)

“I can see my teeth through my bottom gums?”

Answer: Gums continue to cover the teeth's roots in a healthy mouth. However, if you begin to notice the roots, it usually indicates that you have a periodontal or gingivitis issue. When bone and tissue deteriorate due to gum disease, the gums pull away from the teeth, exposing the roots.

“Why do I have purple gums?”

Answer: Gums continue to cover the teeth's roots in a healthy mouth. However, if you begin to notice the roots, it usually indicates that you have a periodontal or gingivitis issue. When bone and tissue deteriorate due to gum disease, the gums pull away from the teeth, exposing the roots.

“Why do I have purple gums?”

Answer: If gingivitis gets really bad, the gums might turn completely purple, or you might see bruising in some parts of them. The first purple spots show up where the infection starts affecting the inside tissues.

If you have any other questions, reach out to us HERE!

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