Receding gum line

Receding gum line is an indicator of gum disease. It generally develops as a result of lack of oral hygiene. The condition is characterized by moving away of the affected gums from the teeth they are covering. There is evident loss of gum tissue, it shrinks and the underlying teeth get exposed. The condition is also known under the name gingival recession.

Receding Gum Line Causes

Keeping one's teeth clean is a significant factor for maintaining healthy gum line. Many people are not aware that tooth brushing and flossing (performed on regular basis) are important against periodontal disease and all the problems it carries. Even though receding gum line affects more elderly individuals, today the problem is frequent even among young adults because they do not pay close attention to dental hygiene.

Periodontal disease represents a bacterial infection affecting the gum line and the bone that supports the teeth. So apart from causing receding gums, periodontal disease is also the cause of damage to the bone which supports the teeth. The condition can be prevented if one takes impeccable dental hygiene and pays regular visits to his/her dentist.

Receding Gum Line Clinical Characteristics

Symptoms and signs of this medical issue do not have to develop immediately. Some individuals complain about pain and discomfort while others do not face these unpleasant sensations. This is why certain number of patients are actually not aware they have developed a serious condition which, if left untreated, may cause loss of teeth.

Only when the disease has significantly advanced one may notice increase in the space between the teeth and there is also higher sensitivity of the exposed teeth. Furthermore, gum bleeds while brushing.Receding Gum Line Cure and Prevention

Many people turn to their dentists when the condition has significantly advanced. Still, even then there is a way to deal with the disease. For patients in whom the disease is in the initial stage, symptoms and further progression can be controlled with regular cleaning of teeth (plaque removal). Even in severe cases patients may be satisfied with results provided with a gum graft surgery. Gum graft surgery is of major importance for reinforcing the receding gum and it also prevents further gum recession.

Preventive methods include proper tooth brushing and flossing. Never brush your teeth vigorously. Always be gentle, brush softly and use soft bristles. Since brushing is rather ineffective when it comes to removal of plaque and bacteria, it is of major importance to pay a visit to the dentist once in a while who will remove accumulated plaque. Even if the condition has developed, dentist will try to prevent further disease progression and associated complications.