Gums that recede to expose the root surfaces of teeth is a common condition in adults over the age of 40. Many consider it to be just a sign of aging, and in some cases it is essentially that -- often the result of wear and tear or years of aggressive tooth brushing. However, sometimes receding gums can be a sign of something more.
In many cases, receding gums are caused by periodontal disease (gum disease). Three out of four adults have some form of it, and in most cases, it doesn't cause any pain and goes unnoticed.
Common in adults, gum disease starts when bacteria containing plaque builds up on the teeth and gums. When the plaque is not removed daily, it produces toxins that irritate and inflame the gums. Eventually the inflammatory process destroys the gums tissues, causing them to separate from the tooth and form spaces called pockets. The pockets hold more bacteria, which only compounds the problem.
In the early stages, gum disease (gingivitis), marked by red or swollen gums that bleed easily, is reversible and can be detected and treated by your dentist or dental hygienist during regular check-ups. As the disease progresses (periodontitis), it can destroy the bone and soft tissues that support the teeth. In advanced stages of periodontitis, teeth can become loose, fall out, or have to be removed by a dentist. In fact, periodontitis is the culprit in 70 percent of tooth loss in adults over 40.
The good news is these gum conditions can be prevented by good daily oral hygiene habits. Receding gums are best prevented by brushing with a soft toothbrush, using a mild-to-moderate pressure and small circular or very short back and forth motions. Avoid hard toothbrush bristles and long horizontal brush strokes with excessive pressure on your toothbrush.
If your gums have receded, it is sometimes possible to graft tissue to cover a portion of the exposed root surface and to reinforce the fragile, receding gum tissue to protect from further recession. Also common to receded gums is sensitivity that results from the exposed root surface. Your dentist can apply medications in the office, and/or recommend products for you to use at home that will help reduce sensitivity of these root surfaces and help protect the now vulnerable root surface from decay.
Remember, with daily brushing and flossing and regular visits to your dentist, adults can look forward to keeping their natural teeth throughout their lifetime.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Your Child's First Trip To The Dentist
By 2 1/2 most children have cut all of their baby teeth, so toddlerhood is a great time to instill good dental habits. Baby teeth are important because they hold space for permanent teeth.
Decay in baby teeth also increases the risk of decay in permanent teeth. Although dentists now recommend that kids see a dentist for the first time by their first birthday, twice-yearly dental checkups and proper care at home are the keys to ensuring pearly whites throughout childhood. For toddlers, however, the first dental visit can be a scary proposition. Strange instruments, loud noises, and new faces can upset even the most nonchalant 2-year-old. But with careful preparation (and plenty of prizes), a first trip to the dentist can actually be fun.
Before You Go
Your first impulse may be to take your child to your own dentist. Ask if they see children or if they can recommend a pedodontist (children’s dentist). (Friends with children are another good source of recommendations.) Or call the American Dental Association (312-440-2617; www.ada.org), the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (312-337-2169; www.aapd.org) or your local dental society for an accredited pediatric dentist in your area. Then make an appointment to tour the office with your child. Observe how the staff handles children, and make sure you're comfortable with all procedures. Parents should be in the examining room with the child and a dentist should stop working if a child gets upset or nervous. Provide the dentist with a list of any medical conditions your child has or medications he takes. Keep your pediatrician's phone number handy, too, in case the dentist needs additional health information.
If your child has a sucking habit, be it thumb, pacifier, or bottle, let the dentist know, as it may affect your child's teeth and jaw. Also, be aware that sleeping with a bottle of milk or juice can cause tooth decay. During sleep, liquids in the mouth -- which are full of sugar and bacteria -- pool around the teeth and erode them.
Talk to your child about what's going to happen. You can purchase books, specifically written for children, which explain to them what will happen (our office can provide one for you once you schedule an appointment). Practice brushing with your child beforehand, too, so she will be used to having a toothbrush in her mouth.
Decay in baby teeth also increases the risk of decay in permanent teeth. Although dentists now recommend that kids see a dentist for the first time by their first birthday, twice-yearly dental checkups and proper care at home are the keys to ensuring pearly whites throughout childhood. For toddlers, however, the first dental visit can be a scary proposition. Strange instruments, loud noises, and new faces can upset even the most nonchalant 2-year-old. But with careful preparation (and plenty of prizes), a first trip to the dentist can actually be fun.
Before You Go
Your first impulse may be to take your child to your own dentist. Ask if they see children or if they can recommend a pedodontist (children’s dentist). (Friends with children are another good source of recommendations.) Or call the American Dental Association (312-440-2617; www.ada.org), the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (312-337-2169; www.aapd.org) or your local dental society for an accredited pediatric dentist in your area. Then make an appointment to tour the office with your child. Observe how the staff handles children, and make sure you're comfortable with all procedures. Parents should be in the examining room with the child and a dentist should stop working if a child gets upset or nervous. Provide the dentist with a list of any medical conditions your child has or medications he takes. Keep your pediatrician's phone number handy, too, in case the dentist needs additional health information.
If your child has a sucking habit, be it thumb, pacifier, or bottle, let the dentist know, as it may affect your child's teeth and jaw. Also, be aware that sleeping with a bottle of milk or juice can cause tooth decay. During sleep, liquids in the mouth -- which are full of sugar and bacteria -- pool around the teeth and erode them.
Talk to your child about what's going to happen. You can purchase books, specifically written for children, which explain to them what will happen (our office can provide one for you once you schedule an appointment). Practice brushing with your child beforehand, too, so she will be used to having a toothbrush in her mouth.
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