Categories: Dental Inspiration 153Gum Disease

How a Dentist Diagnoses Receding Gums

Receding gums is a condition that leads to gum tissues pulling back from teeth roots. It leaves these roots exposed to acids made by oral bacteria that cause decay. Unlike the crown of a tooth, which is protected by enamel, teeth roots have an outer layer called cementum that is not as durable as enamel. This makes teeth roots more prone to decay than the rest of a tooth when the gum tissues that usually cover them start to recede. Receding gums can be a sign of periodontal disease, and it can also be caused by other factors, like genetics or brushing too hard.

Gum disease is one of the most common reasons that people seek dental care. It develops when plaque and bacteria get beneath the gum line, infecting the tissues there. It is characterized by chronic inflammation, and it can cause permanent damage to the bone and tissue structures in the mouth that hold teeth in place.

How a dentist diagnoses and treats receding gums

Diagnosing and treating receding gums starts with the dentist going over the patient’s medical history and discussing their habits. Gum recession can be a symptom of gum disease, but it can also be caused by other things like:

Brushing too vigorously
Using a hard toothbrush
Hormonal changes in women
HIV
Genetics
Smoking
Diabetes

Receding gums can also be caused by medications that dry out the mouth. Saliva helps protect teeth and gums by removing plaque and bacteria. Less saliva in the mouth makes gum tissues more prone to the infection that causes gum recession. Signs that indicate that a patient’s gum recession is caused by periodontal disease include:

Bad breath
Tender or inflamed gums
Gums that bleed when stimulated
Pain coming from the base of teeth
Shrinking gum tissues
Loose teeth
Exposed teeth roots

Treatment

During a patient’s evaluation, the dentist might use a probe to measure the depths of their gum pockets. A probe is a tiny dental ruler that is inserted into the patient’s gum tissues. It should not cause any pain. Healthy gum pockets should be anywhere between 1 to 3 millimeters. Gum pockets that are deeper than that often indicate the presence of periodontal disease. Diagnostic tests like X-rays might also be used to examine underneath the gumline. Once gum disease has been detected, treatment options that a dentist might recommend include:

Medication: Topical or oral antibiotics can be used to manage the infection in a patient’s gums
Gum grafts: Gum grafts can be used to restore teeth roots left exposed due to receding gums; these involve using tissues from other parts of the mouth to cover exposed teeth roots
Root scaling and planing: This extensive form of teeth cleaning involves removing tartar from teeth roots and polishing them; it can help keep the gum tissues covering teeth roots healthy

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Gum Disease in Miami, FL

Gum Disease

Get treatment for gum recession

Give us a call or visit our Miami clinic if you notice gum tissues pulling back from your teeth. Our dentist will evaluate your gums and educate you about treatment options.

Request an appointment or call Relax and Smile Dental Care at 305-740-1444 for an appointment in our Miami office.

Routine Dental Checkups Can Help Prevent Gum Disease

Dentists recommend proper oral hygiene from a young age to achieve good dental health for a lifetime. This is important for cosmetic reasons, but also to maintain overall health. One of the consequences of not brushing and flossing correctly is gum disease, which is also known as periodontal disease. This condition originally affects the gums,…

Common Causes Of Receding Gums

Are you concerned about receding gums? Read on to learn about the most common causes for this condition. It is important to understand the common causes of receding gums as they are the most notable risk factors of periodontal disease that leads to gum recession. By understanding these risks, you can take the necessary preventive…

The FAQs Of Receding Gums

Receding gums can be a sign that you have gum disease. It can also be a sign of poor brushing habits or using a toothbrush that is too hard. receding gums leave teeth roots exposed to acids made by oral bacteria, increasing their risk of decay.Teeth roots do not have an outer layer of enamel…

Relax and Smile Dental Care