So, you found out that you have receding gums!  Whatever you do, don’t panic!  While receding gums may sound like a very scary condition, having your gums recede and cover less area is not an insurmountable problem.  As with most annoying conditions, receding gums can be treated, and it is not as hard as you may think to do so.  Still, the specifics will depend on your particular situation, and it is obviously still very important that you adopt the best oral hygiene techniques possible, even if you feel like you can’t do much to make the situation better.

Receding gums are particularly troublesome because of the annoying problems that they can cause.  For instance, no one likes having cavities, and receding gums put your teeth at risk, as germs and bacteria can fester lower on the tooth’s surface, which leads to a greater probability of cavities along where the gum line would normally be before the recession of your gums began.

Furthermore, there will be a lot of annoying byproducts to receding gums, such as an increased sensitivity of everything from hot and cold to sweet and sour foods.  Spicy foods may also give you problems.  Again, this is all due to the fact that when your gums recede, the roots of your teeth can be exposed.

So, how do you correct these problems before they get too much momentum?  Well, first and foremost, you need to really stop any behaviors that may be encouraging the problem.  While this may be as simple as buying a toothbrush with softer bristles (to avoid wear and tear on your gums when you brush), it can also involve making smart choices like ceasing the use of chewing tobacco or getting help for an eating disorder that causes you to vomit, which can cause all kinds of damage from germs and the acidic qualities of the vomit itself.

Of course, depending on how advanced your problem is, you may find that more drastic measures are needed.  First of all, it should go without saying that a visit to your dentist, and possibly a gum specialist, is absolutely vital.  That is actually a good place to start, and who knows?  You may have already done that, which is how you found out that you have a gum recession problem.

In any case, they may recommend a surgical procedure to “re-cover” the area that the receding gums have left unprotected.  Depending upon your gums, they may be able to reposition the gums to cover the area that they previously had been in, or they may have to graft tissue from another location (generally, the roof of your mouth), to use for that purpose.  Don’t worry…this is an outpatient procedure, and a common one at that!
Receding gums are not the end of the world, but they do need to be treated properly.  Otherwise, without gums that cover your teeth properly, you are taking the risk of developing a whole host of other problems as a result.

While receding gums may not seem like a huge deal in and of themselves, they can cause a lot of issues if they are left unchecked and untreated.  As with most medical issues, you really do not want to let receding gums “do their own thing” while you turn a blind eye, as this can result in problems such as chronic bad breath, bleeding gums, and an increased chance of cavities below the gum line.  Your teeth can also loosen up and end up looking different, or may just be less healthy overall.

So, what can you do to tell if you definitely have receding gums?  First of all, you should look for some of the leading signs and symptoms that are often associated with the condition.  For instance, if your teeth are now much more sensitive to spicy, sweet or sour food, as well as hot and cold items, then that is one definite symptom of receding gums.

As touched upon earlier, you may notice subtle, yet noticeable differences in your teeth due to receding gums, such as a lengthened appearance due to the recession of your gums.  You may even notice more of a space between individual teeth, also.

If your teeth feel different, such as the presence of what feels like a “notch” at around the gum line, or if you can actually see the roots of the teeth, you definitely are a candidate for having a case of receding gums, too.
It is important to note that while just one or two of these symptoms may not definitely establish that you have receding gums, having many of the symptoms in conjunction with one another is a definite sign that you should have a specialist check your gums out, just in case.

There are no types of people that are more at risk than others when it comes to receding gums.  Sometimes, it is the case that men and women over the age of forty end up with receding gums than people that are younger in age.  This is not because of some sort of increased risk, though.  It has more to do with the accumulation of damage to the gums that can often take years to finally accumulate and cause receding gums.  In fact, many teenagers end up having the condition, as well, from a diverse number of causes, including piercings that rub against the gums and wear them down.

It is absolutely vital to know what the signs of a problem are, so that you can move on to the next step and treat that problem.  This is true with all things, and receding gums are no exception!  If you are serious about having a healthy mouth and gums, you should definitely be on the lookout for any of these warning signs that you have a problem with receding gums.  Then, you will be ready to take care of the problem and have the healthy mouth that you should.

Receding gums are a very common problem, affecting around fifty percent of the world population aged 40 and over. There are numerous culprits that may cause receding gums teeth, including; gingivitis, loose teeth, bad bite, and many other causes. However, the most common cause behind this unpleasant gum condition is irregular or improper oral care.

One of the most important steps that need to be undertaken in order to prevent the receding of the gums, is regular tooth brushing and flossing. These two techniques are aimed at eliminating the harmful bacteria that accumulate in the form of plaque, and then harden and turn into tartar. Most people brush their teeth regularly, but floss irregularly, or do not floss at all. Being unable to commit to regular flossing is very understandable: most people dislike flossing, which requires too much time and cause too much hassle (the floss may often break, it’s hard to hold the floss with your fingers, etc.). If you have tight teeth, the floss may accidentally break out, damaging your gums or pushing the food particles deep into your gum, causing abscesses, etc.

However, it’s still important to floss. So what can be done to make flossing easier, helping you to commit to it on a regular basis? The solution to this problem may be starting to use water-based “floss” instead of a regular string of floss. So-called dental irrigators (Waterpik and others) are known to be an excellent substitute to a string of floss. These water-based “flosses” output a strong stream of water, which can be adjusted to fit anyone’s needs. Irrigators are known to clean the plaque on and between the teeth much better than a regular string floss, and they do it faster, safer, and more conveniently.

If you want to improve your dental hygiene, and to commit to daily flossing, there is probably no better way to do it than with the aid of a dental irrigator. When choosing such a device, it’s prudent to opt for an irrigator that has several levels of pressure, so that you can find an appropriate force of water for your teeth and gums. Also, there are smaller portable wireless irrigators, which you can carry with you anywhere you go. However, if you need a machine for your whole family, it is probably better to opt for a regular irrigator with a high-capacity water reservoir.

Regular brushing and flossing will help you to slow down the progression of receding gum disorder, and will make your dental check-ups a breeze.

Receding gums sensitive teeth – in fact, this is a very common interrelation. The problems that receding gums cause to the sufferer are not merely cosmetic in their nature. Receding gums often cause a lot of physical discomfort to the people who have this condition, largely due to the acquired hypersensitivity of the teeth, which is especially strong at the roots of the teeth.

As the gum lines pull away, they expose tender roots, covered barely with cementum. This layer is many times thinner than the thick protective enamel that covers the rest of the tooth. The reason behind the fact that the bottom cover of a tooth is so thin is because the roots are meant to be covered with the gum tissues, so there is no need for any additional protection. A tooth is connected to the alveolar bone and the gum line, and it has a live nerve inside of it. When the gums do not cover the roots anymore, the inner parts of the tooth (including dentin and nerve) come in an inappropriately close proximity to various external stimuli (including warm, cold, sweet, sour, etc.). The fact is that the roots of the teeth are purposely covered with thinner layers, which allows various vital functions to take place with the aid of the partially permeable dental tubes, helping to sustain the health and the life of a tooth.

There are several good ways to eliminate the sensitivity in the teeth of people with a receding gum condition. The easiest and the cheapest option are home-made mouthwashes with salt and baking soda, which are an excellent home remedy for alleviating a toothache. Next are desensitizing toothpastes, with the best and the most popular one being Sensodyne – the only toothpaste that was approved by the Canadian Dental Association for the treatment of hypersensitive teeth. Next are desensitizing agents that your dentist can apply at the roots of your teeth in a dental clinic. And then there is the periodontal surgery that will simply cover the exposed roots by sewing the gums together or sewing a graft of tissue onto the exposed areas of the gums. If you have a sudden toothache, you can simply use a good painkiller, such as Ibuprofen (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory painkiller).

Receding gums often cause a lot of physical discomfort to the sufferer. However, if you start using any of the suitable options from the aforementioned ones, you will be able to start feeling better. Consult with your dentist, and together you will be able to find the best way to relieve your pain and discomfort.

Receding gums loose teeth – is there an interrelation between these two? The sad fact is that receding gums and loose teeth often come together, and one condition may cause the other one. For instance, receding gums will eventually lead to the exposure of the roots, giving less of a support to the teeth. The recession of the gum line can also lead to the destruction of the jaw bone, which means that the teeth will have even less support for them. On the other hand, it may happen the other way around – loose teeth can result in the gums to start pulling away from the teeth, exposing the roots.

The most important aspect of dealing with receding gums loose teeth is finding and eliminating the particular causes behind these two conditions.

Causes of loose teeth and/or receding gums include the following:

- Food particles, a build-up of plaque and tartar between and around the teeth may result in gum receding, teeth loosening, and gum diseases.
- Gum diseases and gum infections may result in loose teeth and receding of the gum lines.
- Malocclusion – a condition when opposing teeth are not meeting properly and can start causing extra pressure and stress to some of the teeth. Malocclusion will eventually result in the thinning of the bone surrounding the unduly pressured teeth, and the thinner bone will be unable to hold the teeth firmly in their places, causing loose teeth and receding of the gum lines.
- Bruxism – the habitual clenching or grinding of teeth, may cause both – receding gums and loose teeth.
- Traumas to teeth (sport traumas, and other accidents) generally cause loose teeth.

Loose teeth may lead to the following:

- Inability to chew properly.
- Unattractive smile due to misplace teeth.
- Extraction of the teeth if the loose teeth were not addressed in time.

Treatments for loose teeth include the following:

- Treating gum diseases.
- Correcting malocclusion (bad bite) with the aid of crowns and other types of orthodontic treatment.
- Correcting the imbalance in the position and the size of the teeth.
- Treating a grinding habit by wearing a dental night guard (bite splint, bite plane) – a removable mold that is placed over the teeth to prevent grinding at night.
- Resting the loose teeth – not chewing on them for a while.

Receding gums and loose teeth often go hand in hand, and one condition may cause the other one. The most important aspect is finding and treating the particular causes behind these conditions, which will help you to achieve the best treatment results.

Symptoms of receding gums may often stay dormant for many years, and even for decades. Since this condition progresses very slowly the sufferer gets used to what they see in the mirror, and may not notice the early symptoms of this disorder. When the years pass, and the sufferer does notice the symptoms, the condition is usually already in its advanced stages. Unfortunately, the longer the disorder had a chance to progress, the harder it will be to treat it.

Receding Gums Symptoms are:

Sensitive teeth: sensitive teeth develop because of the exposure of the sensitive roots. The upper part of a tooth is better protected with enamel (pulp covered by dentin covered by enamel). The root of a tooth is protected by a thinner cementum (pulp covered by dentin covered by cementum). This layer is much thinner than enamel, and is composed of microscopic channels (dentin tubules) with a certain degree of permeability. Once dentin and dentin tubules become exposed, they can result in painful and sensitive teeth, which additionally will be prone to caries (decay and cavities).

Longer teeth: since the gums are pulling away, the teeth of the sufferer most often will start looking longer.

Exposed roots: the roots of the teeth may become visible, and they will often have a yellowish color to them. This can be explained by the fact that dentin, located immediately below cementum on the roots of the teeth, has a vivid yellow hue to it. This layer is even more translucent than enamel, and thus it will show the yellow color of dentin on the exposed roots.

Spaces between teeth: since the gum lines are receding, they no longer cover the spaces between the teeth, making these spaces seem quite large.

Cavities underneath the gum line: symptoms of receding gums may often indicate the presence of another associated disorder in the same person. If together with receding gums there are also present gingivitis, periodontitis, and some other dental conditions, together they can result in the development of cavities beneath the gums.

Symptoms of associated gingivitis include inflamed gums (puffy/red/swollen), bleeding  gums at the time of brushing/flossing, and chronic bad breath. It often happens that gingivitis (swelling of the gums) masks receding gums, and treating it helps to reveal the receding of the gum lines.

It is important to start acting with the earliest warning signs of receding gums without waiting for the symptoms of a full-fledged receding gum disorder, in order to stop it easier and faster.

A full-fledged receding gum line causes a lot of problems. It’s astounding how many people have to spend several thousands of dollars for gum surgery without ever learning about the root causes behind receding gums. Receded gums arise from much more severe problems – periodontal gum diseases.

Gum diseases are slow progressing conditions, which accompany and contribute to various other disorders: receding gums, bleeding gums, gingivitis, halitosis (chronic bad breath), sore gums, and even loose teeth. Other complications which may also relate to diseases of the gums include: tonsil stones, heart disease, and infections. More than half of adults over 35 are believed to have some sort of a gum condition.

How to Find an Effective yet Safe Treatment for Receding Gums?

The fact is that most people spend money regularly purchasing products that actually might be more harmful than beneficial. Commercial dental products often contain harsh chemical ingredients that may, in fact, even harm your receding gums. If you look at the labels, you may actually notice government warnings on many products (some mouth rinses, toothpastes, etc.). Many ingredients may be toxic to people and to children in particular. Thankfully, you can also find safe natural alternatives for the treatment of receding gum line. Find something that truly works and is suitable even for the youngest family members.

Find Natural Remedies that Deal with Root Causes of Gum Diseases

Good treatments for receded gums deal with the causes of this disorder – gum disease. What’s the cause behind gum disease? It’s periodontal disease. Thus, the treatment also has to address the causes behind the periodontal disease. It is quite practical to deal with one treatment, which would help you in stopping and even reversing the multiple symptoms of various gum conditions, including periodontal disease.

The simple truth about gum conditions is that the culprits of these disorders are tiny toxin-producing microbes that live between the teeth and gum tissue. Controlling these microbes and bacteria will help you to win the battle for more gum tissue.

Don’t forget to read the labels before purchasing any mouthwash or toothpaste that is being advertised at the time. The research will help you to avoid dangerous and ineffective products. Make sure that the product is safe, natural, and truly efficient at dealing with various microbes and bacteria in the mouth. It’s your health. Look at the alternatives and find the best options for your family.

Most people have or will develop gum disease in some form, and it’s very important to start acting with the first symptoms, or even before any symptoms appear.

If you are already experiencing receding gums you don’t have to automatically start blaming your oral hygiene. Receding gums are often merely a sign of aging, similar to a receding hairline, so don’t place undue pressure and blame on yourself. However, there might be one easy way to improve your oral care – the use of the right toothbrush for receding gums, which will help you to sufficiently slow down the natural aging processes of your gums, and to reverse the receding of the gums. Yes, you read it right; there are ways to reverse various gum disorders, including receding gum condition, helping your gums to slowly improve in their appearance to a certain degree.

The fact is that most people do not pay too much attention to the toothbrush that they buy at the store, except for maybe trying to purchase the brush of their favorite color. People forget to look at a much more important characteristic of the brush – the feel of its bristles. In fairness to that I must say that few brushes actually state the “hardness or softness” of their bristles, and the shoppers are not allowed to open the packaging of the brush in order to check how the bristles feel to the touch. And yet, the bristles of the toothbrush are its most important feature. Thus, you need to do whatever you can to find a brush with soft bristles, which will be a great toothbrush for receding gums.

Secondly, many people can turn even the softest brush into a powerful weapon for destroying the gum tissue; merely with the way they use their brush. If you apply too much pressure on your brush, even the softest brush will be regularly damaging your gums. It’s often hard to break old habits, and that’s why you may want to consider purchasing a special automatic anti-pressure toothbrush.

There are a few companies that manufacture these special anti-pressure brushes, with the most famous one being Oral-B Triumph SmartGuide toothbrush. The powerful features of this brush include: superior cleaning, floss action, and educational wireless display. The wireless display of this brush will help you to acquire better brushing habits by providing you with a feedback about your tooth-brushing techniques. If you apply too much pressure, a red will appear signaling you to ease your pressure on the toothbrush.  

People who care about preventing receding gums or improving the current state of their gums may find it useful to purchase a special toothbrush like the aforementioned Oral-B brush, or a simple brush with soft bristles.

Receding gums is a gum condition that occurs when the gum lines move away from the teeth. Receding gums causes include gum diseases, imbalanced bite and improper fitting of the teeth.

The accumulation of dental plaque and bacteria at the gum lines and poor oral care can also lead to receded gums. The bacteria that lives in the plaque, constantly releases toxins that will destroy the gum tissue.

Imbalance in the way that your teeth fit together results in excessive force placed on your teeth, causing trauma to your gums and the jaw bone. Root exposure, caused by the gum recession makes the sufferer’s teeth very sensitive to cold, hot, salty and sweet foods and drinks. Grinding or clenching your teeth may cause excessive pressure to the gums, which may also result in receded gums.

Improperly balanced bite (crooked teeth, improperly placed fillings/crowns, etc.), may often also become one of the receding gums causes. Since some of the teeth in this case receive undue forces, the gum lines and the jaw bone will try to adjust. However, with time this situation will start to lead to the destruction of the bone and to the recession of the gum line.

Symptoms of receded gums include teeth sensitivity and changes of the teeth. However, this usually means that the disorder has had time to sufficiently progress in its development, requiring that immediate action be taken.

The diagnosis of this common gum condition can be made at the time of your dental check-up. It is very important to visit your dentist regularly, one-two times per year, so that you can spot the earliest signs of a receding gum disorder, and to start acting to prevent the further recession of the gum lines.

Treatment options for this condition include: correcting the imbalanced bite, correction of imbalanced fillings and crowns, as well as eliminating the clenching and grinding of the teeth.

If your teeth have become sensitive due to receded gums with exposed roots, your dentist can help you choose an appropriate agent to fix this problem, including desensitizing toothpastes and desensitizing agents (solutions that are applied onto the sensitive areas of the teeth at the dentist’s office). If the sensitivity persists, then composite resins and fillings can also be used, which will help to cover the sensitive areas of the teeth.

Various nutritional supplements (calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, vitamin C, and vitamin B complex) can help to prevent decay, at the same time helping to repair the gum tissues.

Educating children on the subject of gum disorders and gum recession has to be started in very early childhood. The techniques and concepts that the child receives early will have time to get absorbed by their subconscious, turning with time into their conscious understanding.

Definition – Receding gums is a term that is commonly used among physicians when they talk about a loss of mucous tissue over the gums or alveolar bone. The problem that this process causes is a pronounced exposure of the roots of the teeth.

Common causes – This condition is extremely common for middle-aged people of both sexes. However, this process may start as early as in the teens. One of the largest causes of receded gums is aggressive tooth-brushing, which leads to corrosion of the enamel at the gum-line. Bacterial build-up, which arises from irregular or otherwise improper oral care, can lead to the breakdown of bone and enamel. Periodontal diseases, including edentulism and gingivitis may often also become the cause of a recession.

Signs – Signs of a receding gum line may often include pain, discomfort and irritation, exposed roots of the teeth, cavities that are located below the gums, as well as tooth sensitivity.

Treatments – Preventing this problem is always a great way to proceed, especially since there’s no good cure that would be able to fix this problem (with the exception of a quite intrusive periodontal surgery). Practicing proper dental hygiene and techniques will significantly reduce the chances of the actual development of this condition.

Natural Treatments – Natural remedies are generally the first choice due to their effectiveness and affordable costs, as well as due to their harmless natural ingredients. Sage herb is considered to be a wonderful natural way for gently tightening the gums while also allowing relief to the pain. You can make a homemade mouthwash the following way: add sage to a glass of boiling water and leave it stand for several minutes, strain and start rinsing your mouth at least twice per day with this solution. Another excellent natural ingredient is tea tree oil, due to its anti-microbial and anti-bacterial properties, which would help to prevent the build-up of bacteria. You can use the tea tree oil solution the same way as the sage herb solution – add 2-3 drops of tea tree oil to warm water, and you have your solution ready.

Medical advice – It’s very important to seek medical advice before initiating any kind of treatment against receding gums, especially if you are noticing the symptoms of this disorder. Your dentist will perform a proper diagnosis, and will prescribe you a suitable treatment.