How Do I Determine Whether I Have Gum Recession?

You may know that periodontal disease is a fairly serious problem. Did you know that gum recession is one symptom of periodontal disease? This can cause extreme sensitivity and be a danger to your tooth roots. There are other causes for gum recession as well, such as brushing your teeth too hard or teeth grinding.

Here are a couple common signs you may have tooth recession:

– Your teeth seem to be gradually getting longer. This can sometimes be difficult to determine. You can try comparing your current teeth to a close-up picture of you smiling years ago.

– Your gums are affected. If your gums are receding, you might notice red or swollen gums or brown spots on your gum line. If the brown spots appear, it may mean that the roots of your teeth are starting to be exposed, meaning your teeth will be sensitive and at a greater risk for infection.

If your gum recession is caused by brushing too hard, try using a soft bristled toothbrush and go easy on your mouth during your routine. As you take good care of your gums, they may slowly begin to regenerate. If the recession is a side effect of teeth grinding, the best thing to do is to get a night guard to protect your teeth and gums. If you believe you have gum disease, call Institute of Dental Implants and Periodontics immediately for a diagnosis and treatment.

If you’d like to learn more about dealing with gum recession in Gurnee, Illinois, you are welcome to call Institute of Dental Implants and Periodontics at 847-662-3414 anytime during office hours. Our dentist, Dr. Timothy Erdle, and our team will be happy to help. We look forward to meeting with you soon!