Why Is Gum Recession a Problem?

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Gum recession is a common problem that people experience. Unfortunately, gum recession is a problem that can contribute to permanent teeth and even tooth loss.

As a dental patient, you can take care of your teeth by visiting the dentist regularly, having your gum recession diagnosed by a professional, and taking steps to stop it from going further. As your dentist in Foley, AL, the professionals at Sand Dollar Dental are here to help.

What Is Gum Recession?

Gum recession is a problem that happens when the gums pull away from the teeth, slowly exposing the tooth roots. This usually happens over a long time.

What Causes Gum Recession?

There are many things that can cause gum recession, including:

  • Poor oral hygiene. Poor oral hygiene can lead to infection, inflammation, and gum recession. Poor oral hygiene can also lead to a buildup of plaque and tartar at the gum line, which also contributes to gum recession.
  • Smoking. Smoking is bad for your teeth in a variety of ways and can cause gum recession, among other problems.
  • Brushing too hard. You may have heard your dentist tell you not to brush your teeth too hard or to use a toothbrush with hard bristles. This is because brushing too hard can contribute to gum recession and tooth sensitivity.
  • Gum disease. Gum disease causes gum recession and bad breath and can eventually lead to tooth loss.

Why Is Gum Recession a Problem?

Gum recession can contribute to bone loss in the jaw, and that can lead to loss of your permanent teeth. Your gums are an important part of your mouth, and they help keep your teeth healthy.

What Can You Do to Stop Gum Recession?

If you have gum recession, one of the first things you should do is identify the cause. There may be more than one problem contributing to your gum recession. Once you know what’s causing this, you can take steps to alleviate the problem. Some general tips:

  • Brush your teeth properly twice daily, floss once daily.
  • See the dentist every six months.
  • Use a good toothbrush with soft bristles or an electric toothbrush.

Can Gum Recession Be Reversed?

Gum recession can’t be reversed, but by working with a dentist, you can control the problem. If you have gum recession, make an appointment with your dentist for a dental exam in Foley, AL. Call today to make your appointment.

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Want to Protect Your Teeth From Gum Disease? Here’s How

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Gum disease is a serious condition caused by bacteria in the mouth. It is essentially an infection that can cause your gums to recede and may even result in tooth loss. As your dentist in Foley, AL, it’s our job to help you protect your teeth from gum disease. There are many things you can do to avoid this uncomfortable and unpleasant condition.

Maintain Good Oral Hygiene at Home

Maintaining good oral hygiene is the first step to protecting yourself from gum disease. There are many things that go into a good oral hygiene routine. For example:

  • Brush your teeth twice daily. Your teeth need to be brushed twice each day, once in the morning and once at night. Have your dentist show you how to brush your teeth properly if you haven’t been given a tutorial recently.
  • Floss once daily. Flossing helps eliminate the bacteria and food particles that can eventually form plaque and tartar, and ultimately helps control gum disease.
  • Use an electric toothbrush. Using an electric toothbrush can help get your teeth extra clean. Electric toothbrushes have features that ordinary toothbrushes don’t have – like a timer that tells you when you’ve been brushing your teeth for two minutes.

See the Dentist Twice A Year

Seeing the dentist twice annually is important. During your twice-per-year checkups, you’ll get a dental cleaning that will leave your tooth enamel smooth and free of plaque and tartar. In addition, your dentist will take the time during your tooth cleaning to look for symptoms of gum disease. If your dentist sees that you have symptoms, they’ll recommend treatments that will help you take better care of your teeth.

Watch for Symptoms

Know the symptoms of gum disease so you can get treatment when it’s needed. Symptoms include:

  • Swollen, red, puffy gums
  • Gums that bleed when they’re brushed
  • Receding gums
  • Breath that smells even when you’ve brushed your teeth
  • Discomfort in your gums

Talk to Your Dentist About Prevention

You can keep gum disease at bay with preventative dental care in Foley, AL. To get treatment when it’s needed, call Sand Dollar Dental to make an appointment for preventative dental care. We can help.