Symptoms Of Gum Recession: Warning Signs To Consider

Gum recession refers to the loss of tissue from a person’s gumline. This may be the result of trauma to the gums, periodontal disease, the use of tobacco products, and other issues. The loss of gum tissue must be taken serious as this increases the risk of tooth decay below the gumline, which can lead to root canal infections, tooth loss, and other more serious conditions.

The warnings signs below will help you determine if you are currently experiencing gum recession. An experienced dentist and periodontist at our Englewood, NJ practice can help repair the damaged tissue and improve your dental health in the process.

Tooth Sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity occurs when people have food items or beverages that are hot or cold in temperature. The sensitivity is the result of the hot or cold substance coming into close contact with the underlying dentin layer of the teeth.

When gum recession occurs, it exposes part of the tooth that was meant to be concealed by gum tissue. This portion of the tooth is much more sensitive to temperature than the top portion (crown) of the tooth.

Gum Sensitivity or Tenderness

In addition to tooth sensitivity, it’s not uncommon for people’s gums to feel sensitive as a result of gum recession. This is usually because of gum disease and other kinds of ill effects on the gum tissue itself. If you notice your gums feel itchy or irritated a lot, it could be the sign of serious gum recession or another kind of problem.

Teeth Appear Longer

As more of a tooth is revealed, it can effect the aesthetics of your smile. Gum recession tends to make a person’s teeth look longer than usual. The teeth themselves are not getting longer, but rather more of the tooth is being revealed because of the loss of gum tissue.

Exposure of the Tooth Roots

In cases of extreme gum recession, the teeth are not just longer in appearance, but the actual root structure of the tooth can be seen. This is an extreme form of gum recession. With the roots exposed, tooth sensitivity is even more pronounced than it was before.

Loose Teeth

The gums hide the lower portions of the tooth structure and help hold them securely in place. When gum recession is extreme, it can result in your teeth feeling much looser than they were before. When teeth are loose, there are more likely to fall out, hence untreated gum recession can lead to tooth loss.

Treatments for Gum Recession

The ideal treatment for gum recession is gum grafting, which involves suturing soft tissue along the gumline so that the missing gum tissue can be replaced. If periodontal disease caused the gum recession, it’s also important to bring the infection under control as soon as possible.

If you notice any of the above symptoms, we encourage you to visit our practice for a consultation. The sooner you come in, the better it will be for your dental health and wellness.

Contact Dr. Chetan Patil

For more information about gum recession and how we can improve your dental health and wellness, be sure to contact an experienced dentist. We look forward to your visit and discussing these matters with you in greater detail.