Receding gums occur when your gums pull back from the surface of your teeth and expose their root surfaces. This problem is common with periodontal disease, also known as gum disease. Poor oral health is the most typical cause of gum disease, and untreated gum disease is one of the leading causes of tooth extraction.The good news about gum disease is that the staff at Ideal Dental can treat it before you reach the point of losing one or more permanent teeth. By knowing the warning signs of receding gums, you can notify your dentist and start receiving treatment as soon as possible.

Common Symptoms of Receding Gums

Please contact Ideal Dental at the location nearest you if you notice any of these oral health problems:

• Bad breath
• Blood on your toothbrush or dental floss after completing your oral healthcare routine
• Exposed tooth roots
• Loose teeth
• Newly exposed tooth roots
• Pain radiating from your gum line

Causes and Risk Factors Associated with Gum Disease

Periodontal disease is common, affecting up to 75 percent of adults. The degree of damage ranges from mild and reversible to severe enough to require tooth extraction. Before you ever have receding gums or gum disease, you first have a condition known as gingivitis. Lack of attention to proper brushing and flossing causes plaque and bacteria to develop on the teeth and eventually damage the gums.Severe gum damage causes tiny pus-filled pockets to develop on your gum line. Unfortunately, this creates an ideal environment for plaque and bacteria to form on your teeth. Here are some of the leading causes of receding gums, in addition to poor oral hygiene:

• Brushing your teeth too aggressively over a long period of time
• Diabetes
• Family history of gum disease
• HIV
• Hormonal changes, which are far more prevalent in women
• Smoking

Some medications cause dry mouth as a side effect, which can also lead to receding gums due to a lack of saliva production. Tissues inside your mouth are more vulnerable to injuries and bacterial infections due to medication-induced dryness.Receding gums and gum disease are more common in men, who may overlook the problem as a normal sign of aging.

Never Ignore Signs of Receding Gums

Early detection and treatment of periodontal disease is key to reversing its damage. Please find your local Ideal Dental office today to schedule an appointment if you feel concerned about potential gum disease. We'll set up an appointment that's convenient for your busy schedule.