Is gum recession serious?

Gum recession is an incredibly serious condition because it can lead to problems like infection, tooth decay and tooth loss, among other issues. These oral health issues often require patients to undergo costly procedures.

When is gum recession serious?

Receding gums are an oral health concern when they get to the point where tooth roots are exposed. It leads to a higher risk of decay, infection, and loss. Therefore, if you suspect your gums are receding, or a dental professional has brought it up to you, it's time to seek treatment.

Can receding gums be life threatening?

Far from just an aesthetic problem, gum recession can be a serious oral health risk. While unhealthy gums are more prone to recession, even healthy ones can have negative effects on your oral health. The most serious problem is the exposure of tooth roots.

Are receding gums a big deal?

When gum recession is left untreated, it can lead to gum disease, which inevitably causes tooth loss if not managed. The infection spreads to the jawbone, which erodes as well. Without the support of the jawbone, the teeth may loosen, at which point extensive dental treatments may be necessary to prevent tooth loss.

Can my teeth fall out from receding gums?

The CDA estimates that periodontal diseases such as receding gums are responsible for about 70 percent of adult tooth loss. When there is not enough gum tissue to hold tooth roots in place, the teeth are vulnerable to falling out. In some instances, multiple loose teeth are removed by the dentist before they fall out.

Why Are My Gums Receding? 7 Ways to STOP Gum Recession

What does severe gum recession look like?

Signs of gum recession vary, but can include red or swollen gums, bad breath, mouth sores, and pain or bleeding when brushing or flossing.

Why are my gums receding so fast?

Changes in hormones: Fluctuations in hormones, like during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause, can make the gums more sensitive and more likely to develop either gum disease or gum recession. Crooked teeth or poorly-aligned bites: When your teeth don't come together properly, too much force is placed on the gums.

How much gum recession is normal?

Gum recession is often considered a normal part of aging. Even the expression “long in the tooth” stems from our gum line receding and exposing more of our teeth as we age. However, there is nothing normal about gum recession.

How much does it cost to fix receding gums?

While this can vary depending on which dentist you see, the cost of gum disease treatment can cost up to $2,000, or even more. This means that the earlier you have the condition treated, the more money you'll save. In many cases, you may need a gum tissue graft, which can cost between $1,600 and $2,000, if not more.

When do receding gums need surgery?

Gum graft surgery is recommended when the gums have receded enough to expose the roots of your teeth. As the gums recede, they form pockets between the tooth and the gums, which become a breeding ground for bacteria buildup.

What happens if you don't treat gum disease?

Gum disease is an infection of the gums that is caused by poor oral hygiene. When plaque is left to build upon the teeth and harden, periodontal disease develops. When this is left untreated, it can result in damage to the jaw and even tooth loss.

Is periodontitis life long?

Periodontitis can last forever if you never see a dentist to have it treated. Likewise, as long as periodontitis is left untreated, the disease will progress and worsen. If you have the symptoms of periodontitis, it is recommended that you see a dentist as soon as possible.

What happens if you don't treat periodontitis?

Avoiding treatment for periodontitis can cause gaps in your teeth, receding gums, sensitive teeth, mouth sores, chronic bad breath, and tooth loss. Gum disease has also been connected to an array of serious health issues, such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and more.

Can a dentist reverse receding gums?

Treatment for gum recession

Gum recession can't be reversed. This means receded gum tissue won't grow back. However, you can keep the problem from getting worse. Treatment usually depends on the cause of the gum problems.

Is gum grafting painful?

The actual gum grafting procedure is painless. This is because a local anesthetic is used to numb the affected area. A periodontist, who is a dental specialist in gum disease and the gums, typically performs this procedure. You may instead feel some movement or pressure as your periodontist performs the procedure.

How do you stop receding gums from getting worse?

One of the most important things you can do to avoid further gum recession is to brush and floss your teeth twice daily. If your gums have receded due to aggressive brushing, be mindful of the force you are applying while brushing and use a soft-bristled toothbrush.

What do dentists do for receding gums?

To fix receding gums, we can use a procedure called a gum graft. This is a minor surgical procedure that involves taking healthy gum tissue from another part of the mouth and attaching it to where the gums have receded, providing extra tissue to build the gums back up.

Why are my gums disappearing?

Poor oral hygiene and periodontal disease contribute to a gingival recession. However, receding gums can also happen in people with good oral hygiene. Physical wear of the gums and inflammation of the tissues are the chief reasons for recession.

When do you need a gum graft?

Receding gums can expose teeth roots and provide room for bacteria to grow. A graft protects the roots and makes bacteria easier to manage. You should get a gum graft if you have pain from receding gums. It may take some time to recover, but once you have, you can expect long-term success.

How common is gum recession in 30s?

Gingival recession, as it's formally known, is more common amongst the elderly. A US study of almost 10,000 people found that 38% of people aged 30-39 had some degree of the condition, compared with 71% in the 50-59 age group, and 90% for those aged between 80-90.

Is gum recession normal with age?

Receding gums are common in older adults. This is when the gum tissue pulls away from the tooth, exposing the base, or root, of the tooth. This makes it easy for bacteria to build up and cause inflammation and decay. A lifetime of brushing too hard can cause gums to recede.

Can gums grow back after receding?

The simple answer is, no. If your gums are damaged by, for example periodontitis, the most severe form of gum disease, it's not possible for receding gums to grow back. However, even though receding gums can't be reversed there are treatments that can help to stop the problem from getting worse.

Does mouthwash help receding gums?

Use mouthwash every day

Therapeutic mouthwash helps prevent gum recession and disease, reduces the rate of tartar buildup, reduces the amount of plaque on your teeth, and removes food particles trapped between teeth and elsewhere in the mouth.

How much does a gum graft cost?

Cost of Gum Graft Surgery

The base cost of a gum graft can be between $600 and $1200 per tooth. A periodontist is a specialist so is likely to have a higher fee. Donor tissue is more expensive than tissue that is harvested from the roof of your mouth.

How can I stimulate my gums to regenerate?

Eucalyptus oil. According to a 2008 study , eucalyptus oil is an anti-inflammatory germicide that may treat receding gums and stimulate the growth of new gum tissue.