September 23, 2016

Your gums are an integral part of your mouth and giving them proper care and treatment is essential for successful oral health care. Daily brushing and flossing as well as regular dental checkups are necessary for a healthy mouth and can increase the longevity of your natural teeth. Individuals suffering from gum recession should understand the correlation between this condition and gum disease in order to enjoy better health for years to come.

Common Causes of Recession

Not all gum recession is caused by disease. Harsh brushing habits, genetics, injury and tooth grinding can all cause problems with gum tissues. Initial signs of recession include sensitivity or teeth that appear elongated. Symptoms such as bleeding, swelling and soreness may indicate gingivitis, or the beginning stages of gum disease. At this point, the condition may be reversed with careful at-home care and regular checkups.

Periodontitis

One of the main causes of receding tissues is periodontitis, which is the second stage of gum disease. At this level, the condition has moved past the initial stages and bacteria has begun to build up within the gums. Pockets of infection often form around teeth, which causes the gums to loosen their grip on teeth and recede. As more of the root is exposed, teeth become increasingly sensitive and can even become loose or move into different positions.

Treatment Options

Thorough treatment and watchful care is essential in any case where gum disease is present, but especially if the condition has progressed to periodontitis. Once pockets form, recession tends to worsen and the longevity of your natural teeth is threatened. There are treatment options at any stage and seeking the care of a trained periodontist in Spingfield, MO is essential to halting the progression of the disease.

Call Dr. Leo A. Tokarczyk today to schedule an appointment to discuss your receding gums or the diagnosis and treatment of gum disease.

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