Is Gum Shrinkage Normal?

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Have you noticed your gums pulling away from your teeth or seeming to shrink? This is a cause for contacting a dentist for a thorough dental exam in Little Rock, AK. Take a look at the causes of shrinking gum tissue and how the issue could be treated below. 

Common Causes of Shrinking Gum Tissue 

Gum shrinkage may not always have a singular cause. In many cases, the problem stems from several factors, such as: 

 

  • Poor Oral Hygiene: Inadequate brushing and flossing can lead to plaque buildup along the gum line, causing inflammation and eventually gum recession.
  • Gum Disease: Periodontal diseases like gingivitis and periodontitis can cause gum tissue to pull away from the teeth, leading to recession.
  • Genetics: Some people are predisposed to gum recession due to their genetic makeup.
  • Aggressive Brushing: Brushing too hard or using a hard-bristled toothbrush can wear away gum tissue over time.
  • Tobacco Use: Smoking or using other tobacco products can contribute to gum shrinkage and other oral health issues.

How Is Gum Tissue Shrinkage Treated?

If you notice gum shrinkage, reach out to your dentist for a thorough evaluation. There may be things you can change or procedures that can help with the issue. Practicing proper oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing techniques, prevents gum recession and promotes gum health. Scaling and root planing remove plaque, which can be important for gums to heal and reattach. Gum grafting is a surgical procedure viable for some patients that covers exposed roots in severe recession. Laser therapy may also be recommended to stimulate gum regeneration.

Seek the Advice of a Little Rock Dentist 

If you notice signs of gum shrinkage, such as exposed tooth roots, increased tooth sensitivity, or changes in the appearance of your gums, it’s essential to seek advice from a Little Rock, AK dentist as soon as possible. Don’t let gum shrinkage go untreated – schedule an appointment with Mounts Dental Care today for comprehensive dental care tailored to your needs.

What Is Gingivitis?

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Gingivitis is a common condition that can affect patients who have poor oral health and hygiene. Taking good care of your teeth is important, and if you have gingivitis, it’s also important to combat this condition quickly before it becomes more serious. Your dentist in North Little Rock, AR, can help you with this. Below, we’ve outlined what you need to know about gingivitis.

What Is Gingivitis?

Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease. Gingivitis causes redness, swelling, and irritation of the gums. People who have gingivitis may also experience bleeding of the gums when they brush their teeth.

How Can You Tell If You Have Gingivitis?

If you have gingivitis, you may not know. However, some symptoms of the condition include:

  • Bad breath that doesn’t go away when you brush
  • Swollen, red, irritated gums
  • Gums that bleed when you floss or brush
  • Tender or painful gums
  • Gum recession

What Should You Do If You Have Gingivitis?

Gingivitis, if caught early and treated quickly, can be turned around. However, failure to take gingivitis seriously or treat it early can result in more serious periodontal disease. Periodontal disease can cause your teeth to become loose and may even result in tooth loss. If you have gingivitis, it’s important to:

  • Come in for dental cleanings as often as your dentist recommends
  • Brush your teeth twice per day with an adequate toothbrush
  • Replace your toothbrush every three months, and if possible, use an electric toothbrush
  • Floss once per day

Gingivitis can be prevented by maintaining good oral health and getting dental cleanings in North Little Rock, AR. If it’s been longer than six months since you last saw the dentist, call today to make your next dental appointment.

Questions About Receding Gums? Here’s What You Should Know

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Receding gums can be a concerning problem, especially if you don’t know why it’s happening or how to stop it. Your dentist in North Little Rock, AR, can give you information that can help you manage your dental health and prevent gum recession.

Gum recession that continues over time can cause problems like lost teeth. Knowing what to do about receding gums is important. If you’re facing this problem, here’s what you need to know.

What is gum recession?

Gum recession is a problem that occurs when your gums pull away from your teeth, exposing parts of the tooth that should be covered. Gum recession can happen on one tooth or on many teeth.

What causes gums to recede?

Gum recession can be caused by a combination of factors. Brushing your teeth too hard or using a toothbrush with very hard bristles can cause your gums to recede, as can smoking. Some people are more susceptible to gum recession because of their genetics. Poor oral hygiene, gum disease, and tartar buildup can also cause gum recession.

How can you tell if your gums are receding?

If your gum recession is very mild, you may be unable to tell it’s happening. Only if you go to the dentist will you be able to be diagnosed with this problem. If your gum recession is severe, you may notice that your teeth are getting longer. Your teeth aren’t growing; this is gum recession.

If your gums are receding, what can you do about it?

Once gums have receded, they cannot be put back. Stopping gum recession before it gets severe is the best thing you can do for your teeth. Coming in for regular dental cleanings in North Little Rock, AR, can help you take care of your teeth. Your dentist can identify the causes of your gum recession and help you stop the problem. Call Mounts Dental Care today to make an appointment.

Can Gum Disease be Reversed?

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One of the worst dental health conditions is gum disease. Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, ultimately leads to the loss of permanent teeth. If you suspect that you have gum disease in North Little Rock, AR, contact your dentist as soon as possible for treatment.

What is Gum Disease?

As its name suggests, gum disease is an infection of the gums. It has several stages, beginning with the first stage, called gingivitis. The symptoms of gingivitis include red, swollen gums that bleed easily. You may especially notice this when brushing or flossing. In this early stage of gum disease, the condition can be reversed with treatment from your dentist.

Advanced Gum Disease

If left untreated, gingivitis progresses to periodontitis. In this stage, the gums regress from the teeth and form pockets around the tooth. These pockets make the teeth and gums subject to bacterial infection. Even with routine brushing and flossing, the fact that these pockets exist makes the tooth vulnerable. Eventually, bone loss occurs, and permanent teeth fall out.

Treatment For Gum Disease

Treatment for gum disease includes a multi-pronged approach. At home, you can help reverse the problem by carefully following your dentist’s instructions, which may include the use of prescription-strength mouth rinses and/or antibiotics, in addition to lifestyle changes.

But the most important treatment for gum disease is at your dentist’s office. Your dentist will perform one or more deep cleanings. With advanced gum disease, you may also need gum flap surgery or bone grafting. No guarantees are possible that your permanent teeth will be saved, but your dentist will do everything possible to save your adult teeth.

The sooner you get treatment for gum disease, the better the outcome. Contact your dentist in North Little Rock, AR, today to book your dental exam.