Tag plaque

Receding Gums

Everyone is aware that brushing is important for the overall health of teeth, but often people forget about the health of their gums. However, caring for you gums is just as important as caring for your teeth. A common problem, and one that can be an indicator of more severe problems on the horizon, is receding gums.

Gum recession is when the edge of the tissue surrounding the teeth pulls back from the teeth and wears away, exposing more of the tooth, or, eventually, the tooth’s root. This is a sign of gum disease. Gum recession is hard on the teeth as well. Gaps form between the teeth and gum line, which act as havens for bacteria. This can cause severe damage to the teeth and even jaw if not treated quickly and correctly.

Receding gums are common, but sometimes hard to catch. The first sign of gum recession is usually sensitive teeth, or  it may be that one of your teeth looks a bit longer than usual. It’s important to look for these signs and be aware of the causes of gum recession. Bacteria can eat away at gums, so infrequent brushing and flossing can cause receding gums. On the other hand, brushing your teeth too hard can also cause gums to wear away. Bruxism, or tooth grinding, and jaw clenching put pressure on teeth and gums, causing recession. Crooked teeth or a misaligned bite can also cause undue stress on the teeth and gums. Oral piercings can sometimes wear gum tissue away by constantly rubbing or irritating oral tissue. Using tobacco products also increases plaque that is damaging to gums. Even things like hormone fluctuations, especially in women, can make gums susceptible to recession, and some people are genetically more likely to develop gum disease. No matter how well you care for your teeth, you should visit the dentist regularly.

Mild gum recession may be treated by your dentist by deep cleaning the affected area. Sometimes antibiotics can be prescribed to get rid of any remaining harmful bacteria. If the condition is severe, gum surgery may be required to repair the damage. An oral surgeon may do a pocket depth reduction, which eradicates bacteria from the gum tissue, or a soft tissue graft if your teeth and gums have been very damaged. In order to avoid these complications, pay attention to your gums and visit your dentist regularly.

Pregnancy and Your Oral Health – Part 2

How Does Pregnancy Affect My Oral Health?
While it is a myth that calcium is lost from a mother’s teeth and “one tooth is lost with every pregnancy,” you still may experience some changes in your oral health during pregnancy. The primary changes are due to a surge in hormones, particularly an increase in estrogen and progesterone, which can exaggerate the way gum tissues react to plaque build-up.

If the plaque isn’t removed, it can cause gingivitis – red, swollen, tender gums that are more likely to bleed. So-called “pregnancy gingivitis” affects most pregnant women to some degree, and generally begins to surface as early as the second month. If you already have gingivitis, the condition is likely to worsen during pregnancy. If untreated, gingivitis can lead to periodontitis, a more serious form of gum disease.

Pregnant women are also at risk for developing pregnancy tumors, inflammatory, non-cancerous growths that develop when swollen gums become irritated. Normally, the tumors are left alone and will usually shrink on their own after the baby’s birth. But if a tumor is uncomfortable and interferes with chewing, brushing or other oral hygiene procedures, the dentist may decide to remove it.

How can I prevent these problems?
You can prevent gingivitis by keeping your teeth clean, especially near the gumline. You should brush with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day and after each meal when possible. You should also floss thoroughly each day. If brushing causes morning sickness, rinse your mouth with water or with antiplaque and fluoride mouthwashes. Good nutrition – particularly plenty of vitamin C and B₁₂ – help keep the oral cavity healthy and strong. More frequent cleanings from the dentist will help control plaque and prevent gingivitis. Controlling plaque also will reduce gum irritation and decrease the likelihood of pregnancy tumors.

Could gingivitis affect my baby’s health?
Research suggests a link between preterm, low-birthweight babies and gingivitis. Excessive bacteria can enter the bloodstream through your gums. If this happens, the bacteria can travel to the uterus, triggering the production of chemicals called prostaglandins, which are suspected to induce premature labor.