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.