gums Archives - Smile Glen Ellyn Restorative Dentist
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Tag: gums

teeth and gums
15Oct

Gum recession is a condition where the gum tissue surrounding teeth begins to draw away from the teeth. This will reveal more of the affected teeth and can make them look longer than usual. Gum recession is a common problem and very treatable. Since it’s a gradual process, sometimes, people are not even aware of it. There are several potential reasons for gums to recede.

Causes of Gum Recession

The primary cause of gum recession is gum disease. About 30% of the population are genetically predisposed to gum disease. Other causes may include:

  • Damaging gum tissue by brushing too aggressively
  • Tobacco use
  • Grinding teeth especially while asleep

Without treatment, the gums can become increasingly inflamed and sensitive. They also become more susceptible to bacteria. Over time, bone structure and supporting tissue degrade. Eventually, the teeth will begin to rot and die.

How will I know if I have receding gums?

It can be difficult to identify gum recession just by looking at your gums. This is why regular dental appointments with your Glen Ellyn dentist is important. However, there are some signs you can look for in between appointments with Dr. Gibbs. Here are some signs of gum recession:

  • Longer Looking Teeth – After you brush your teeth, look at them to see if they look any longer than before. This is often the first sign of receding gums. If you notice your teeth looking longer than normal, schedule an appointment with Dr. Gibbs as soon as you can.
  • Sensitive Teeth – Sudden increased sensitivity in your teeth is a sign of gum recession and other possible dental conditions. It should not be taken lightly.
  • Gum Line Notch – If you feel a notch at the gum line where the gum and tooth meet, you may have receding gums.

Can I help prevent gum recession?

There are several treatment options for gum recession. Your Glen Ellyn, IL dentist can treat the condition with antibiotics, deep cleaning, regeneration, soft tissue grafts, or pocket depth reduction. But the best treatment is prevention. Here are a few ways you can help prevent gums from receding.

Gentle Teeth Brushing

Brushing your teeth harder doesn’t get them cleaner, and it can cause damage. Aggressive brushing can wear away enamel and contribute to receding gums.

Avoid Tobacco Use

No form of tobacco use is good for your gums or your oral health. Tobacco leaves a sticky residue on teeth and it’s very difficult to remove. When it remains on teeth, it can lead to gum recession. Stopping tobacco use can help eliminate one risk. It can also help reduce your chances of developing oral cancer.

Get Help from Dr. Gibbs for Teeth Grinding

Teeth grinding or clenching is often done in your sleep without you knowing you are even doing it. It usually occurs subconsciously when you are under a lot of stress. It can lead to a lot of dental problems, including gum recession. Dr. Gibbs can help correct teeth grinding.

Ask About Aligners

If your teeth are misaligned, it can put more force on the gums and jawbone. This can make it more likely for your gums to recede. Talk to Dr. Gibbs about clear aligners that can help correct your bite and straighten your teeth. This can help reduce your risk of gum recession.

Avoid Piercings in or Near the Mouth

Piercing your tongue or lip or wearing jewelry near your mouth can cause your gums to become irritated. Over time, irritated gum tissue can begin to wear away and lead to gum recession.

Learn More from Your Glen Ellyn Dentist

Call us today to schedule your exam and to learn more about effective treatment options for gum recession. Dr. Gibbs will be happy to answer any questions you have, and you can schedule an exam anytime to address any concerns. Call us today to make an appointment.

 

Lady in nature smiling
15Jul

 You may be experiencing receding gums if you noticed your teeth look longer. You may also have noticed a receding gum line as gums appear to be pulling back away from your teeth.  If your gums recede, gaps may start to form between the tooth and gum. This creates a pocket that allows bacteria to build up. If a receding gum line is left untreated, gums, teeth, and tissue can become damaged. It’s possible to even lose a tooth. Gum recession is a common dental condition but since it occurs gradually, many people don’t realize it’s happening.

 Symptoms of Receding Gums

Over time, as the gums recede, you may notice one or more of these symptoms:

  • Long Teeth – When the gums pull back, the teeth can look longer than normal.
  • Exposed Root – When the roots of teeth are exposed, they can become uncomfortable and overly sensitive. Sometimes they are a sign of gum disease, or it can simply be that you’ve been brushing too aggressively or using a toothbrush that has hard bristles.
  • Loose Teeth – Receding gums can lead to a buildup of bacteria and eventually gum disease. If they are not treated, these pockets can become deeper because they are no longer attached to a solid structure. In severe cases, it’s possible for a tooth to become loose.

What Causes Receding Gums?

There can be many factors that contribute to gum recession. It can also be a combination of factors including one or more of these common symptoms:

  • Periodontal Disease – An infection and inflammation of the gums are caused by bacteria that destroy the tissue and bone that are holding teeth in place. Gum disease is the most common reason for gum recession. In its earliest stages, gum disease is often not noticed. It is often first discovered during a routine exam with your Glen Ellyn, IL dentist.
  • Improper Brushing Technique – Brushing your teeth too hard or too aggressively can wear away enamel. This can cause gums to recede.
  • Genetics – Some people are more susceptible to receding gums even if they have good oral care habits. This is because of their genetics.
  • Using Tobacco Products – Using tobacco often causes sticky plaque buildup on the teeth. This can cause gums to recede.
  • Hormone Imbalances – As the body matures through puberty, and through pregnancy and menopause for women, estrogen levels change. This can make your gums more sensitive and more likely to recede.
  • Misaligned Bite or Crooked Teeth – Gums often recede when the teeth can’t come together evenly or there is too much force on the gums.
  • Grinding Teeth (Bruxism) – If you grind or clench your teeth, it can put too much force on the gums and cause gum recession.

What Are Some Options for Treatment?

The best treatment option for receding gums will depend on how severe it has become and the cause. Dr. Gibbs offers numerous gum recession solutions and individualized treatment plans. Fluoride treatment and professional cleaning can often be beneficial. In some cases, a gum lift may be an appropriate treatment plan.

When should I see Dr. Gibbs About Gum Recession?

The best care is preventative care. Routine exams help find problems like receding gums before they become too problematic. When dental conditions are discovered early, they are more easily and successfully treated. If you notice your teeth look different or longer; or if your gums seem to be pulling back from your teeth, make an appointment for an exam right away.

Woman Smiling
15May

The roots of our teeth anchor them in the gums and jawbone. Like the tooth, the roots have nerves. If you have an exposed tooth root, it can cause sensitivity. Left untreated, it can lead to serious dental health problems. The good news is that if you have associated pain, especially while brushing your teeth or eating cold or hot foods, Smile Glen Ellyn can help relieve your pain.

What causes exposed tooth roots?

There are many reasons that might contribute to a tooth root showing through gum tissue. Most of the time, one of the types of gingivitis, or gum disease is the primary culprit. At Smile Glen Ellyn, we want to get to the cause of an exposed tooth root. This helps develop a plan for treatment and take preventative measures. The causes of exposed tooth roots and nerves include:

Gum disease. When you have gum disease, your gums can become swollen and weak. This also makes you susceptible to loss of gum tissue which means they recede and leave roots exposed.

Harsh brushing. When you brush your teeth, if you apply too much pressure, it can strip the enamel and cause gums to become inflamed. This can lead to root exposure.

Trauma. Any kind of trauma to the teeth, even teeth grinding, can weaken the protective outer layers and leaves nerves and roots exposed.

Orthodontic work. Braces can make it harder to brush your teeth properly. When you do not stick to a regular oral care regimen, the enamel can weaken and leave inner layers vulnerable. If you are being treated by Glen Orthodontics, discuss oral care with your dental care provider.

Misaligned teeth. Teeth out of alignment can cause gaps along the gum line. This allows a buildup of plaque bacteria and can leave gums vulnerable to disease.

Tobacco use. Smoking damages your teeth and can increase your risk of exposed tooth roots. Tobacco use puts you at risk for decay and tartar buildup which are the leading culprits of gum disease.

Symptoms of an Exposed Tooth Root

If you are worried about having an exposed tooth root, there are plenty of symptoms to let you know there is a problem. One of the most common symptoms is tooth sensitivity. If you notice severe pain when you are eating or drinking sweets, acidic foods, or hot and cold beverages you may have a tooth root showing through gum tissue. When roots are exposed, gums may bleed, swell, or become tender. The affected tooth may become discolored. The nerve might become infected and be swelling and pain.

Are there any effective treatment options?

Your dentist in Glen Ellyn, IL may recommend you brush with a toothpaste for sensitive teeth to curb the pain. Also using a soft-bristled toothbrush can be helpful. Avoiding the use of tobacco can help reduce sensitivity associated with an exposed tooth root. Also, talk to Dr. Gibbs about treating types of gingivitis and gum disease. A dental surgeon may be able to cover the exposed area with a gum graft. Sometimes the exposed areas can be covered with dentin or white sealers. Nightguards can provide protection from a trauma that often occurs during nighttime tooth grinding.

Contact Dr. Gibbs, Dentist

If you suspect you have an exposed tooth root, make an appointment with Smile Glen Ellyn. Dr. Gibbs and his staff can discuss appropriate treatment options and preventative measures you can take. Call us today with your questions and concerns. Or, schedule an appointment for an exam today.

6Nov

When your baby is teething, sometimes we have been taught to expect runny noses, fevers, and trouble sleeping as parts of the months-long teething process. Turns out it’s just not so, according to Dr. Thomas Gibbs.

Here is a look at the problems teething can cause your infant, and what symptoms have other sources. As your Glen Ellyn, IL dentist points out, the more you know, the easier they are to deal with.

5 Teething Symptoms

Experts report that 5 symptoms are directly due to the teething process, including:

  • drooling
  • extra fussiness
  • mild gum pain
  • face rash
  • desire to chew on things

But what about all the crying, runny nose, fever, the loss of appetite, and trouble sleeping? If they last for more than a day, researchers say they are often the result of germs getting into the gums in the new openings caused by the teething. These symptoms might also be due to the natural changes in your child’s immune system as he gets older. If you’re worried about your child being sick or just need to bring in your child for their first appointment, check with the professionals here at Smile Glen Ellyn.

5Aug

Pregnancy creates many changes in the body. Even your teeth and gums can be affected because pregnancy increases the blood flow in the body, creating changes in your oral health that can make you susceptible to infections. It’s a good idea to know what to expect and familiarize yourself with helpful steps you can take.

Swollen Bleeding Gums

Because pregnancy increases the flow of blood in the body, more often than not, pregnant women may experience bleeding gums or a condition known as pregnancy gingivitis. Other symptoms include loose teeth, pain when eating, bleeding and swollen gums. Dr. Thomas Gibbs of Smile Glen Ellyn knows that swollen gums can be very uncomfortable during pregnancy and although this condition is usually temporary, it’s a good idea to handle your teeth and gums gingerly if you are experiencing these symptoms. Carefully brush and floss. This is important because swollen games make it easier for bacteria to grow. Handle your teeth and gums with care but don’t stop the brushing and flossing process. This will keep bacterial growth down and promote healthier teeth and gums.

What Can You Do?

Fortunately, there are things that you can do to get relief from this temporary condition because painful swollen gums can be uncomfortable. You can gargle with warm water and sea salt to ease the pain and sensitivity as well as disinfect your gums. You can also supplement with vitamin A and C. Glen Ellyn, IL dentists know how important these vitamins are when it comes to building strong teeth and bones.

These are all preventative measures you can take to avoid developing periodontal disease, which can lead to bone and tooth loss, but remember that you can always drop in for an appointment at Smile Glen Ellyn if the condition doesn’t change or gets worse.

16Jan

Canker sores are small-sized ulcers which can form in the mouth, or on the cheeks, lips, tongue, gums, and on the roof of your mouth. They can be caused by a number of different things, and are not contagious, but should be taken seriously if they last a particularly long time or recur frequently. Dr. Gibbs is always happy to educate our patients about the causes and management of canker sores, and recommends that you schedule an appointment if you are experiencing unusual pain or discomfort from any oral health issue.

How Canker Sores Form

Canker sores can be triggered by incidental trauma, such as a toothbrush jab in the cheek, biting your cheek, or overly vigorous brushing. They can also be triggered by vitamin deficiency, a weak immune system, inadequate sleep, excess stress or fatigue, menstruation, or even spicy foods. Fortunately, canker sores are not contagious, and can’t be passed through contact with other people.

Treating a Canker Sore

Alleviating the discomfort of a canker sore starts with avoiding foods that make a canker sore worse, such as foods with sharp edges like nachos, highly acidic foods and beverages like carbonated sodas, and foods which are very spicy or hot. You can also try to manage any associated pain by taking over-the-counter medications for pain relief. Most canker sores should clear up in a week or so, but if you find yourself getting frequent or very long-lasting canker sores, make an appointment with Dr. Gibbs so that he can screen you for more serious oral health concerns.

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