Gingival recession refers to a condition in which the gingival tissue – also known as the gums – become inflamed and eventually begin to pull away from the roots of the teeth. Over time, the gumline begins to recede, leaving little tissue to support the tooth. If left untreated, your teeth will eventually fall out because of this diminishing support. If you see any signs of receding in your gums, you should bring it to the attention of your dentist so she can begin treatment right away.
What Causes Gingival Recession?
Gingival recession occurs when the gum tissue begins to pull back from the bases of your teeth. Since the gums help support your teeth and hold them in place, teeth can become loose if the gums begin to recede. Ideally, you should have any inflammation of the gums treated as soon as possible to prevent the development of severe gum disease, gum recession, and eventual tooth loss.
Gum recession and gum disease are both caused by inflammation in the gums. You can prevent this inflammation from developing by brushing and flossing regularly and by seeing your dentist twice a year for your routine checkup and X-rays. Your dentist will probe the area between your gums and your tooth roots to be sure the space between them has not grown. Large pockets around the teeth are one of the early signs of developing gum disease.
Symptoms and Treatment of Gingival Recession
Gum disease shows few symptoms in its early stages, which is why it’s very important to visit your dentist regularly. Symptoms that you aren’t able to see will be much easier for your dentist to spot before they become serious. If you are suffering from gingival recession, it’s very important to get treatment as soon as possible to prevent tooth loss.
Some symptoms to look for include:
- Bleeding when you brush
- Swelling or sensitivity
- Redness of the gums
Let your dentist know if you experience any of these symptoms. If you have begun to develop gingivitis or gum disease, she will recommend treatment, which can range from a special toothpaste to deep cleaning techniques to invasive gum surgery, depending upon how serious your gum disease has become.
