Receding Gums Symptoms

Have you recently noticed your teeth look longer? Are your gums tender and bleeding? Your gums may be in the early stages of receding, where they pull back from the teeth, exposing more of the tooth and root below. This is one of the first signs of gum disease. The good news is that this common dental condition is treatable if identified and diagnosed early. Below is more information on the causes and common symptoms of receding gums, and treatment options to restore your gums to their healthiest state.

Common Causes of Receding Gums

The California Dental Association estimates that approximately 75% of adults have some form of periodontal disease, or gum disease, including receding gums. Early gum disease starts when bacteria and plaque begin to build up along the gumline of the teeth. Over time, this plaque causes the gums to pull back from the teeth. As this process advances, pockets begin to form between the teeth and gums, creating even more space for plaque to accumulate and bacteria to develop.

Beyond gum disease, there are other common causes of receding gums, including:

  1. Brushing too aggressively
  2. Hardened plaque buildup (tartar)
  3. Smoking
  4. Hormonal changes in women like pregnancy or perimenopause
  5. Family history of gum disease
  6. Diabetes
  7. HIV
  8. Some medications can cause dry mouth, which reduces saliva and leaves your mouth more vulnerable to bacterial infections

Symptoms of Receding Gums

If you think you may have receding gums, here are some symptoms of the common dental condition that you can look for:

  1. Bleeding after brushing or flossing
  2. Red, swollen gums
  3. Bad breath
  4. Pain at the gumline
  5. Visibly shrinking gums
  6. Exposed tooth roots
  7. Loose teeth

Diagnosis

Gum disease and receding gums are diagnosed by a dental health provider using a physical examination. As a part of the exam, the dentist will measure the depth of the pockets using a probing process with a small ruler. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, gum pockets that are deeper than 3 millimeters are a sign of gum disease.

Treatment & Prevention

Fortunately, receding gums can be treated, and if treated well, restored to full health. A periodontist, who is a dental provider who specializes in gum health, can help identify the best course of treatment to save and repair the gum tissue. Many times, if the periodontist identifies an infection, they will prescribe antibiotics to start the treatment. Additional medications may be used to help treat gum recession, including topical antibiotic gel, antiseptic chips, antimicrobial mouthwash, and enzyme suppressants.

The best way to treat receding gums, if you think you have them, is to identify the problem early and start treatment as soon as possible. To prevent receding gums from developing or progressing, you should maintain regular professional cleanings and checkups and stay on top of your daily oral hygiene. Look for the signs and symptoms listed above, and schedule a visit to see your dental provider if you notice anything off, so they can get you started on treatment before your gum disease progresses.

Related Article: Stop Receding Gums from Getting Worse