Gingival recession
Do you find that your gums are falling?
Gingival recession (or receding gums) is a loss of gum tissue around the teeth. The result is exposure and denudation of the roots of the tooth. When the recession has been going on for several years, the tooth seems to get longer.
Symptoms of receding gums
•Gingival recession exposes the root of the affected tooth and the affected tooth is very susceptible to root caries which progresses at a faster than average rate;
• An aesthetic problem is created when gingival recession affects the anterior teeth
•A knocked-out tooth loses its protective layer against the plaque and tartar that accumulate there. These then cause inflammation of the gums, bleeding and pain.
•If your teeth are sensitive to cold, this could be a sign of loosening. It would be important to have your gums checked by your dentist as sensitivity may increase.
Misconception
Previously, this condition was mistakenly associated with too rigorous brushing of the teeth. Now we realize that the receding of the gums around the teeth is mainly caused by excessive forces applied to them during chewing. This phenomenon frequently occurs with misaligned or poorly positioned teeth in the mouth.
