Painful Receding Gums – Causes And Treatments

The gums are made up of pink tissue (gum tissues) in the mouth that meets the base of the teeth. There is one gum for each set of teeth. The gingival tissue is dense. It has the best supply of blood vessels under a moist surface; if blood vessels are absent, then called a mucous membrane. The gingival tissue combines with the rest of the mouth lining but is pink instead of shiny red.

The gums are firmly connected to the jawbone and tightly cover each tooth up to the neck. When intact, the gums cover up the roots of the teeth and protect them.

When a person faces a loss of tissue in the gums, then gingival recession happens. It exposes the roots of the teeth to bacterial germs and can lead to tooth decay.

Why Gums Recede?

Gum recession can occur when the gum tissue around the tooth shifts or collapses, exposing the roots of the teeth. Gum recession can also happen when a tooth is incorrectly positioned. Gums can also recede around a tooth if it is in an abnormal position. Painful receding gums become a health concern if the roots of the teeth become exposed, leaving the teeth at risk of decay.

Receding gums is a most common condition, but people usually do not realize their gums are receding until the last stage in the process.

Stages of Receding Gum

1. First Signs:

In the early stages of gum disease, your teeth will seem healthy. Mostly your gums will seem normal, with no swelling. In contrast, mild smears of blood are normal from time to time, even in healthy gums.

2. Gingivitis:

Gingivitis is the name given to the early-stage of gum disease, and at this point, it's usually first noticed. Your dentist can help to cure receding gums by giving your teeth a thorough clean. However, gingivitis is usually a sign that you need to step up your brushing and flossing game in the future to prevent it from running.

3. Early Periodontitis:

In this stage, gums become inflamed, and they start to pull away from the teeth, forming spaces known as ''periodontal pockets''. Due to this disease, food, bacteria, and plaque begin to collect in the pockets, leading to infection.

4. Moderate Periodontitis:

In this stage, you might experience bleeding and pain around the teeth and gum recession. Your teeth will begin to lose bone support and become loose.

5. Advanced Periodontitis:

In this case, the connective tissue that holds your teeth in place begins to deteriorate. If you have advanced periodontitis, you might experience severe pain while chewing, severe bad breath, and a foul taste in your mouth.

Causes

Receding gums is caused by several factors, which are given below:

➢ Receding gums may occur due to aggressive brushing.
➢ Sometimes hardened plaque buildup
➢ Smoking is also the reason for receding gums
➢ Hormonal changes in women can also cause receding gums
➢ Family history of gum disease
➢ Diabetes is also the cause of receding gums
➢ Periodontal disease is also a common cause of gum recession. The receding of gums tends to affect all the teeth in a similar way.

Risk Factors

Age:

Older people have the highest rates of periodontal disease. Disease control indicates that over 70% of Americans 65 and older have periodontitis.

Genetics:

Some people may be susceptible to gum disease genetically. Identifying these people at an earlier stage and getting treatment may help them keep their teeth for a lifetime.

Stress:

Stress is also a risk factor for periodontitis disease. Because of stress and hypertension, the immunity of an individual decreases and makes it more difficult for the body to fight infection.

Medication:

Some drugs are also the cause of receding gums. Like certain hearts, medicine can cause a recession of gums.

Clenching or Grinding your Teeth:

Grinding can speed up the rate of gum recession.

Poor Nutrients and Obesity:

Suppose a diet low in important nutrients can cause periodontal disease. Obesity may also increase the risk of gum disease.

Other Systemic Diseases:

Other systemic diseases like the body's inflammatory system may worsen the condition of the gums.

Signs of Receding Gums

Commonly people don't notice their gums are starting to recede until they become sensitive to cold food and drinks.

➢ Bleeding when brushing your teeth or eating hard food
➢ Bad breath
➢ Mouth sores
➢ Pus between gums
➢ Swollen red color gums
➢ Spaces between gums and teeth

Treatment

Cases of mild gum recessions need no treatment. Gentle brushing is an effective early way.

Several treatment options are available:

Desensitizing agents

These products have the aim to reduce the sensitivity of the exposed tooth root. Desensitizing agents treat the nerve symptoms and help by easing the brushing of sensitive teeth.

Removable Gum Veneers

Usually, acrylic is a removable gum veneer, and it artificially replaces the large area of missing gum tissue.

Orthodontics

These include treatments by removing the space present between the gums. This repositioning can make the gum better.

Surgery

In this case, a dentist grafts tissue from another site in the mouth, and the grafted tissue heals over the gum recession.

Pink Porcelain

It is a pink material and can be applied to fill the gaps where the gums have receded.

Prevention

➢ It is best if you brush your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
➢ Plaque buildup can lead to periodontal disease, so maintaining good oral hygiene.
➢ It is best if you visit their dentist to discuss worries related to receding gums.