RECEDING GUMS:

What causes gums to recede?

Gum sensitivity is a problem many Westchester County dental patients face. There can be a variety of causes for gum sensitivity and treatment options vary just as much.  In this post, we will shed some light on the common gum sensitivity questions and concerns we get here at Advanced Dentistry of Westchester.

In this article, we will cover:

• What can a dentist do for sensitive gums?
• Can you reverse gum sensitivity?

What are the typical causes of gum sensitivity?

When people talk about sensitive gums, they are typically talking about the cold or sweet sensitivity their teeth are feeling near the gums. This is often caused by a lack of gum coverage on the tooth called recession.

Recession itself can be caused by multiple factors including inflammation of the gums (gingivitis or periodontitis), forces on the tooth, or hard tooth brushing. Some people do experience temporary sensitivity from teeth whitening as well.

Another common cause of sensitivity is clenching or grinding.

However, if the gum sensitivity persists it is best to have it evaluated by a Westchester County dentist. 

What should I look for in gum sensitivity products? 

Many products, such as Sensodyne, advertise that they will help with sensitivity. Keep in mind, they may take a few uses to build up efficacy.  

Potassium Nitrate is the key ingredient to look for. 

Treating Gum Recession 

Dental Sensitivity Treatment for swollen and enflamed gums

Procedures done to help gum recession? 

In addition to over the counter sensitivity products and toothpastes, more powerful types of paste may be prescribed by the dentist.

Special prescription level fluoride can be applied in the office or at home.

Can receding gums be treated? 

If there is gum loss and tooth structure loss, bonding can be placed over the area to block the “pores” of the tooth from sensitivity.

If clenching, grinding, or forces on a particular tooth are the culprits, an appliance or bite adjustment may help.

ORAL HEALTH TIPS 

People with periodontal disease and infected gums must improve their oral care and maintain a routine standard of professional dental treatment to get the problem under control.

Certain things can dry the oral environment in your mouth, leading to plaque accumulation, proliferation of odor causing bacteria, gum inflammation, and potentially cavities if prolonged?

SOLUTION: 

1. Remove as much plaque and bacteria as possible by brushing, flossing, and tongue scraping/brushing.
2. Keep the mouth as moist as possible. OTC products used for dry mouth syndrome common with many medications can be used to keep the mouth moist.
3. Typical mouthwashes can exacerbate the problem by drying the mouth further.  Either use an all-natural mouthwash (Tooth and Gum Tonic) or mouthwash containing chlorine dioxide will help.

The pandemic impacted the oral hygiene routines of many people, resulting in missed hygiene for routine dental appointments. Preventative dental care is critical when treating inflammation of gums. Poor dental hygiene can worsen the outcome of swollen gums if the problem persists untreated.

READ: Dr. Kenneth Magid, Dentistry in the age of Covid

Healthy gums, healthy smile

If you are not happy with your gums, we can assist with gum reconfiguring to help you get rid of a gummy smile with advanced laser technology.

During your dental appointment, we look for:

• Changes in medical history
• Soft tissue and excessive bleeding of the gums
• Dry mouth

We also check blood pressure when we notice excessive gum bleeding during a routine oral cleaning.

The way someone’s gums bleed can reveal a lot about their overall health in addition to their oral health. Your oral health is connected to your entire body.

TIPS

Keep Gums Healthy

Floss daily to get the build-up between the teeth and stimulate the gums.

Did you enjoy this article?

Keep Reading:

What do bleeding gums mean?

Healthy gums are an important part of a healthy pregnancy

Periodontal Disease & Gum Disease Treatment in Westchester County, NY 

Check-in with your dentist in Harrison, NY and alert them if you’re experiencing any gum troubles. We can help direct you to the correct treatment and regain a comfortable and beautiful smile.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Kenneth Magid is currently the Director of Pre-Doctoral Laser Dentistry and Associate Clinical Professor at NYU College of Dentistry and is the Assistant Director of Honors Esthetics.  He has appeared on national television and radio shows to discuss high tech and cosmetic dentistry including ABC and The New York Times. Dr. Magid lectures throughout the U.S. and Canada and is a contributor to many journals on topics including “Minimally Invasive” Dentistry, Laser Dentistry, Digital Radiography, Air-Abrasion dentistry, “21st Century Dentistry” and Cosmetic Dentistry. Dr. Magid received his dental degree from New York University College of Dentistry. Dr. Magid had practiced dentistry for over 40 years and practices at Advanced Dentistry of Westchester in Harrison, NY. Dr. Magid was inducted into The International College of Dentists (ICD) in recognition of his services to the field of dentistry. The top 4% of dentists worldwide are offered fellowship to The ICD, the pre-eminent honorary organization of the world’s top dentists who have by their actions demonstrated an interest and concern for their communities and profession. 

What do Bleeding gums mean?

Is it normal for my gums to bleed at the dentist?

Bleeding gums are a common sign of inflammation. When many people see blood when they floss, they stop doing it. In fact, the blood usually means to floss more, not less. Within reason, of course. In this post, we’ll cover how to properly floss and explore why gums bleed in the first place.

Why do gums bleed?

One of the most common causes of inflammation is buildup – of food, plaque (the soft debris that sticks to your teeth), and/or calculus (the debris that’s hardened onto your teeth).  There are areas, especially under the gums, that may be difficult if not impossible to reach and clean on your own.  Over time this stuff hardens and creates a pebble-in-shoe effect.  

Every time you chew, the hard points poke your gums much the way a pebble stuck in your shoe would poke your foot.  After a while, this repeated trauma causes inflammation and bleeding and soreness.  

Good dental care at home helps to prevent this process, but routine cleanings at your dental office are necessary to reach the areas you can’t reach and to take off the hard buildup, which you won’t be able to remove on your own.

Are bleeding gums normal?

A little “pink in the sink” from bleeding gums is never normal, and it is important to have a professional evaluation to determine the potential causes and plan of treatment and prevention.  While bleeding should not be considered normal and is not sign of good oral health, it is even more important to tell your doctor if you find your gums bleed even when you’re not brushing or flossing, as certain systemic conditions may contribute to this spontaneous bleeding.

What’s the correct way to floss?

Gently! Flossing should be done up and down hugging each tooth like a “C”, once a day and when food is caught. It is also important to have regular professional cleanings, at least every six months, since there are likely areas that you can’t reach at home.

There may also be other underlying causes of the bleeding, so it is important to discuss with your dentist.

What do dentists do to stop gums from bleeding?

New article states that patients who receive regular cleanings may have better overall health.

In “Health Plans Expand Dental Benefits,” McQueen writes in The Wall Street Journal that one dental plan recently began offering coverage of antimicrobial mouthwashes for pregnant women. The same plan conducted pilot programs designed to urge pregnant women and people with chronic disease to visit a dentist.

According to The Wall Street Journal, several health plans have taken notice and decided to cover teeth cleanings as part of their overall medical package in the hopes that there will be a decrease in the incidence of premature deliveries, diabetes, and heart disease.

Patients who are at-risk, such as pregnant women, people with heart disease or diabetes, will be expected to have a third regular tooth cleaning each year (one every four months rather than the usual one every six months), or additional deep cleanings as needed.

PERIODONTAL DISEASE

What disease causes my gums to bleed?

Periodontal Disease can lead to swollen and bleeding gums when left untreated.

The word periodontal means “around the tooth.”

What is periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease is a chronic bacterial infection that affects the gums and bone supporting the teeth.

Periodontal disease can affect one tooth or many teeth.

Periodontal disease begins when the bacteria in plaque (the sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth) causes the gums to become inflamed.

Dental expert reveals important news about periodontal disease and its effect on longevity.

Regular periodontal tooth cleanings are critical for overall health.

Young men who had a maximum oral hygiene index of 6 (0 indicating ideal oral hygiene and 6 poor oral hygiene) had a three to four times higher risk of dying sooner than those who had a hygiene index of 0. In addition, young men with periodontitis had a nearly threefold increased risk of dying from coronary heart disease.

An infection in your gums can travel through your body to other organs, such as your heart, digestive system, and lungs.

In the book “Real Age: Are You as Young as You Can Be?” Dr. Michael F. Roizen states that periodontal disease and poor oral hygiene may be indicators of premature death.

Gum disease has been linked to heart disease, diabetes, respiratory disease, digestive problems, osteoporosis, and immune problems.

It’s more important than ever to go for regular dental check-ups with a dental hygienist to ensure that you are maintaining adequate periodontal health.

Gum Disease Increases Risk of Osteoporosis

The link between gum disease and overall health cannot be overemphasized.

Researchers at the University of Buffalo and the University of New York at Buffalo recently found that most people diagnosed with periodontal disease were at a higher risk of underlying osteoporosis. Published in the Journal of Periodontology, the study involved more than 2,500 postmenopausal women. 

It also found that women with low bone density, or osteoporosis, were at an 86 percent risk of having gum disease, the major cause of tooth loss in those older than 35 years old.

Researchers also discovered a strong relationship between the advanced form of gum disease that causes bone loss, gum-attachment loss, tooth loss, and osteoporosis.

Eliminating gum disease may also help combat osteoporosis, which affects more than 20 million people in the United States, accounting for nearly 2 million fractures a year.

Maintain a regular schedule of dental cleanings with your Westchester County dentist to remain vigilant against gum disease. Book an appointment today.

Dentist Near Me in Westchester County, NY

Get a dental check-up: A dental check-up can help detect and address any potential dental problems before they become more serious.

Are you looking for a dentist in Harrison, NY to help you with bleeding gums? Bleeding gums may indicate a larger issue. Poor oral hygiene can contribute to the development of gum disease, which can cause inflammation, bleeding, and tooth loss if left untreated. It’s important to maintain good oral hygiene habits and visit your dentist regularly to prevent and address these dental problems.

Schedule an appointment today we one of our dental hygienists.