How Receding Gums and Your Overall Health Are Connected

How Receding Gums and Your Overall Health Are Connected from Rafael E. Cordero, DDS PA in Palm Beach Gardens, FLReceding gums can be a symptom of gum disease, an infection of gum tissues caused by the bacteria in plaque and tartar. Plaque is a sticky film that builds on teeth as bacteria convert sugars into acids that damage teeth. It turns into tartar when left on teeth for a few days.

Gum disease is one of the most common reasons that people seek dental care, and it is more likely to affect people over the age of 30. It is the leading cause of adult tooth loss, and it is linked to health issues like diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Also called periodontal disease, gum disease damages gum and bone structures that keep teeth in place. Other symptoms of the condition include inflamed gum tissues, loose teeth, and pus coming from the base of teeth.

Exploring the link between receding gums and overall health

receding gums is not always a symptom of periodontal disease. It can also be caused by brushing too strenously or using a toothbrush that is too hard.

Gum disease occurs in two main stages: gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is the first stage of the condition, and it comes with symptoms like purplish gum tissues, receding gums, and gum tissues that bleed when touched. Fortunately, the condition can be easily reversed with improved oral hygiene and teeth cleanings. In some cases, a dentist might recommend deep cleaning, a more comprehensive form of teeth cleaning that involves removing tartar from teeth roots.

If left untreated, gingivitis will eventually morph into periodontitis, a chronic inflammation of gum tissues that cannot be reversed. It can lead to inflammation in other parts of the body. Periodontitis has been linked to inflammatory diseases, like rheumatoid arthritis. Gum disease has also been linked to increased plaque formation in arteries. Plaque restricts blood flow to the heart, leading to cardiovascular events like heart attacks.

The inflammation that characterizes gum disease is caused by antibodies trying to eliminate the infection of gum tissues. Over time, the inflammation leads to the deterioration of the soft bone structures that hold teeth in place. As a result, teeth become loose, and spaces start forming between them. Eventually, some of the person’s teeth start falling out.

Treatments

Treatments that a dentist can use to manage the more advanced stage of gum disease include the following.

  • Root scaling and planing: Also called deep cleanings, these treatments involve removing plaque and tartar from teeth and their roots; the roots are also polished to hinder tartar buildup
  • Gum grafts: This involves taking donor tissues from healthy areas of the mouth and covering up exposed teeth roots with them
  • Bone grafts: This involves using donor or artificial grafting material to rebuild bone structures damaged by gum disease

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Gum Disease in Palm Beach Gardens, FL

Protect your oral and overall health

Regular dental appointments can help detect gum disease while it can still be reversed. Call or visit our Palm Beach Gardens clinic to set up an appointment with our dentist.

Request an appointment or call Rafael E. Cordero, DDS PA at 561-763-9221 for an appointment in our Palm Beach Gardens office.

Recent Posts

When To Visit A Periodontist For Gum Recession

Concerned about gum recession? Read on to learn more. If your smile looks different in the mirror recently, you might want to see a periodontist. You may notice your tooth roots are showing more, your teeth seem longer, or your gums are receding. Perhaps your gums are becoming more tender and your teeth are more…

When To Seek Gum Disease Treatment From A Periodontist

Gum disease treatment is necessary to prevent your symptoms from worsening. Your periodontist will assess your gums first and then discuss the treatment options with you. Knowing when to see this dental care provider can help you make informed decisions regarding your procedures. Here are the details on when to see this dentist for gum…

Visit A Periodontist For Gum Recession Treatment

A gum recession treatment can help you regain your smile and dental health. Receding gums can make you conscious about the way you look. It can also cause dental instability and sensitivity. Seeing a periodontist for your gum recession treatment can help you get the results you need.A general dental exam can spot gum recession.…

Recent Posts

Expert Periodontist Services For Healthy Gums And Beautiful Smiles

Expert Periodontist Services For Healthy Gums And Beautiful Smiles

People who are seeking healthy gums but are dealing with challenges with gingivitis can see an expert periodontist, a dental professional who has studied the structures that support the teeth. These include the gums, the jawbone itself, and the ligaments that help hold the teeth in place.Periodontists are trained dentists who focus their attention on…

Transform Your Smile With Expert Implant Dentistry

Transform Your Smile With Expert Implant Dentistry

It is common for people to be self-conscious about their smile, and many do not realize just how big of an impact that expert implant dentistry can have. Implants provide functional and aesthetic benefits that other restorations cannot achieve. The implant process is more in-depth than options like dentures, so the overall outcome is also…