How Serious Is Your Gum Recession?

One of the reasons why preventable oral health issues remain prominent concerns is because people don’t always realize when their smiles are warning them of danger. For example, gum recession is a common indicator and risk factor for several potential oral health problems. Yet, many people fail to realize when their periodontal tissues are separating too much from their teeth, or recognize the dangers that this might indicate. At our Encinitas/San Diego periodontal office, we offer a variety of specialized treatment options to help you address your gum recession and protect your smile from those potential dangers.

What does gum recession mean?

Gum recession describes the gradual pulling away of your gums from your teeth roots, which creates increasingly larger spaces between your teeth gum tissues. Known as periodontal pockets, these spaces grow larger the longer the condition is left untreated. While they may not be obvious at first, your periodontist can track gum recession in its earliest stages by routinely measuring the depth of your periodontal pockets. Once the recession is severe enough, you may require personalized periodontal treatment to address it and stop your gums from receding further. The specifics of that treatment will depend on the specific nature and extent of your gum recession.

Potential reasons for gums to recede

There is a wide variety of reasons why your gums might recede. For instance, if you have gingivitis (the first stage of gum disease), then recession can occur as a result of the infection in your gums. As gum disease and inflammation progress, gum recession will also grow worse. Other possible reasons for gum recession include brushing and flossing your teeth too harshly, grinding your teeth constantly, and other habits that place extreme pressure on your teeth and gums. For some patients, malocclusion (crooked teeth) can also cause gums to recede as they affect the symmetry of the tissues covering your teeth.

Why it’s a problem for your oral health

Even if you don’t have gum disease yet, the presence of gum recession can substantially raise your risks of developing it. The periodontal pockets that result from the tissue recession can create safe havens for harmful oral bacteria to accumulate, which is a high-risk factor (and the driving force) behind gum disease. In addition, unchecked gum recession can leave your teeth without adequate support, making you more likely to experience tooth loss as a result.

Stop your gums from receding

If you or your periodontist notices that your gums are receding, then don’t hesitate to address the issue before it threatens your oral and periodontal health. For more information, schedule a consultation with Dr. Kania by calling her periodontal office in Encinitas/San Diego, CA, at (760) 642-0711.