When your dentist of all people tells you “you look a little long in the tooth” they probably are not saying you look like you have had a bad day. They are telling you that it looks like your gums have been exposed. Through gum recession, your gums expose the roots of your teeth. This can be painful for patients, can make the teeth susceptible to loss, and can quickly become a big problem. However, working with your dentist, there are some things you can do right from your house to help fix the problem.
What is an exposed tooth root?
The root of your teeth is the anchor in the jaw of your tooth. Your tooth stays in place and lives through the root, which is its connection to the blood and cells within your gums. If your gums begin to detach and slide down the surface of your teeth towards your gumline, this root can be exposed and leaves the tooth vulnerable. Once the gums have receded there is not a ton you can do to repair it. You can however create an environment within your mouth which is conducive to healthy gums and good gum growth.
What causes Gum Recession?
Gum recession is often due to:
Infection- Harmful bacteria enters the gumline through residue left on your teeth. Once inside your gum it begins attacking healthy tissues. Exposing the root, infecting cavities, and feeding off the tissues it destroys.
Gum Disease- Often a byproduct of infection gum disease has the potential to develop into periodontal disease, wherein not just the gums are infected but the jaw and teeth themselves.
Smoking- Smoking is a big cause of gum recession and exposed roots.
Diabetes- Diabetes causes the gums to tighten and recede, and also causes dehydration which can exacerbate gum recession.
Bruxism- Tooth grinding places tremendous force on the teeth and gums, which can cause the tooth root to move and expose it through gum damage.
Poor Diet- Lots of ultra sugary foods and drinks can wreak havoc on the gums causing them to recede and expose the tooth root.
What can you do?
The first thing you can do is take a long hard look in the mirror and be honest with yourself. Have you been as good at taking care of your teeth as you want to be?
Have you:
- Brushed twice daily, making small circles away from the gums?
- Flossed regularly, following the contours of the teeth and in between?
- Paid special attention to problem areas and addressed them with your dentist?
- Seen you Dentist in the past 6 months?
- Attended Your regular cleaning?
You can take care of your teeth at home. You can follow rigid and professional level dental hygiene. You can avoid ultra processed and sugary foods. This is what you can do from home.
For Further Treatment
See your dentist. Follow their recommendations for gum grafts, pastes, compounds, and recovery treatments for exposed tooth roots.