Why Are My Gums Receding?

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Healthy gums fit snugly around the teeth. Gums that are unhealthy can pull back from the teeth, exposing more tooth enamel over time. This is called gum recession. Gum recession can be a symptom of disease or injury.

When this happens, your teeth roots can become exposed over time, leading to damage. If this happens to you, your dentist in Jacksonville, FL can help. The professionals at Mandarin Dentistry can help you identify gum recession and give you treatment.

What Causes Gum Recession?

Several things can cause gum recession. Sometimes finding the cause of gum recession can be difficult. Some examples of gum recession causes:

  • Gum disease. Gum disease causes the gums to become inflamed and puffy. Gum disease can also cause gum recession.
  • Dental injury. If you’ve injured your mouth, you may experience gum recession in the location of the injury.
  • Lip ring. Lip rings can rub the gums, causing gum recession.
  • Brushing too hard. Brushing too hard wears the gums down a little at a time, leading to gum recession. Brushing with hard bristles can lead to gum recession as well.
  • Using tobacco products. Using tobacco products can lead to gum recession, whether you’re smoking or chewing tobacco.

What Can You Do About Gum Recession?

Sometimes, identifying the cause of your gum recession can help you stop the problem. If your lip ring is causing gum recession, for example, you may wish to remove it. Your dentist can help as well. If you have a condition causing gum recession, the dentist can identify the cause and prescribe treatment.

Start with a dental cleaning in Jacksonville, FL. Your dentist, Dr. Matt Henry, can help you identify the cause of your gum recession and what can be done about it.

Possible Causes of Swollen Gums

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When you visit yourJacksonville, FL, dentist, one of the things that your dentist looks for is swollen gums. Healthy gums aren’t swollen, so this condition means that something is going on that shouldn’t be. It may not be serious, but it could be, so it’s important to have a general idea of the possible causes of swollen gums. That way, if this happens to you in between dentist visits, you can have a better idea of what to do about it.

Poor Oral Hygiene

When you brush, floss and rinse after every meal, your teeth and gums have a better chance of remaining healthy. If you find that your gums appear to be swollen, the reason could be that you’re not maintaining proper oral hygiene. If you feel that you are, consider if you’re using the best toothbrush and brushing method. Change your toothbrush often, and keep it clean in between uses to prevent re-infection with bacteria.

Dental Infections

Certain dental infections, such as a tooth abscess, can cause gums to swell around the affected site. Typically, you would experience some pain or tenderness in the area, too, so this is another clue that the reason for the swelling may be due to an infection. If you notice a pus discharge when you press against the gums, this is another sign of an infection. Dental infections should be treated as soon as possible to prevent spreading.

Something Stuck in the Gums

Sometimes, a sliver of food can get stuck in the gums. This is especially true of popcorn, where the hull of the popcorn can adhere to the surface of the tooth and make its way beneath the gum line. If you choose to snack on popcorn, be sure to carefully brush your teeth afterward in order to avoid this problem. If gums are swollen only around one tooth, it may, in fact, be a small piece of food that’s made its way to the wrong place. A close visual inspection should help. But if the swelling persists, see your dentist.

Contact Mandarin Dentistry for all your general dentistry needs in Jacksonville, FL, or for specialized dental services. We look forward to helping you achieve your best possible smile!

Could You Have Gum Disease?

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Did you know 46 percent of adults over the age of 30 have some form of gum disease? That’s a big number that comes directly from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Gum disease is a painful, inflammatory condition that can cause you to lose your teeth, but the good news is it’s totally preventable. With regular dental checkups and a good oral hygiene regimen at home, you can avoid the problems associated with gum disease. However, noticing signs and symptoms that point to something wrong with your teeth or gums could be an early sign of gingivitis. Your dentist in Jacksonville, FL, can tell you more.

Symptoms of Mild Gum Disease

The more mild form of gum disease is called gingivitis. At this stage, you may notice symptoms that include:

  • Blood when you brush or floss
  • Gums that are discolored, puffy, or swollen
  • Tender or painful gums
  • Chronic bad breath
  • Gums that appear to recede from teeth

At this stage, regular visits to your dentist and adherence to a strict brushing and flossing routine at home can cure the condition. Your dentist will clean your teeth thoroughly, paying special attention to plaque and tarter deposits. They may also recommend an anti-bacterial mouth rinse for use at home.

Symptoms of Severe Gum Disease

Periodontitis is a more severe stage of gum disease. This can develop when gingivitis is not treated. At this stage, the disease becomes much more noticeable as well as painful, and dental attention is required. Symptoms of periodontitis include:

  • Formation of pus between teeth and gums
  • Loose teeth
  • Teeth that fall out
  • Blackened areas of gum tissue
  • Open bite

Treatment for periodontitis may include scaling, root planing, and oral antibiotics. In more severe cases, surgery may be required to stop periodontitis from advancing. You may also require restorative dentistry afterward to repair or replace damaged or missing teeth.

Help for Gum Disease in Jacksonville, FL

Your first line of defense against gum disease is to adopt a healthy oral hygiene routine at home. Second, you’ll want to become established with a reputable dentist. For help with gum disease in Jacksonville, FL, call Mandarin Dentistry today.

Sources

https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/fast-facts/gum-disease/index.html

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gingivitis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354459

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/periodontitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354473

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