Health Risks of Receding Gums

Gum recession refers to the process whereby the gingival tissue moves away from the crown of the tooth, exposing its roots. This is a common condition in adults over the age of 40, according to the California Dental Association. The most common causes of receding gums are overly aggressive tooth brushing, wear and tear over the years or a bacterial infection around the teeth and gums. Proper oral hygiene and regular dental check ups are essential to reduce the health risks associated with receding gums.

Sensitivity

• Often the first symptom of receding gums is teeth sensitivity to cold or sweets. When gum recession occurs, the underlying root surface is exposed. The exposed root surface is more porous because of the nerve-containing tubules. Inside each tubule is a nerve branch. When cold temperatures or sweets come in contact with the tubules, the nerve branches may be affected and cause sensitivity.

Tooth Loss or Misalignment

• Because the gum tissue surrounding your tooth helps hold its position, receding gums can lead to teeth loosening and misaligning. Untreated, receding gums can lead to peridontitis, which is inflammation and infection of the tissues that surround the teeth. Peridontitis can lead to the destruction of bone and soft tissue causing loose or crooked teeth. The teeth may even fall out or require extraction by a dentist.

Tooth Root Caries

• The roots of your teeth are made of a softer material called dentin, rather than the enamel protecting your tooth's crown. This makes them more susceptible to dental caries, or cavities. When bacteria is allowed to build up and form plaque on the exposed root, decay occurs. If the decay is not treated in a timely manner, damage may occur to the pulp of the tooth, resulting in the necessity of a root canal.

Heart Disease and Stroke

• Amazingly, some research supports a link between diseases associated with receding gums and heart disease and stroke. A study published in "Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, Oral Radiology and Endodontology" found that periodontal disease was associated with a 19-percent increase in relative risk of cardiovascular disease. This may be a result of oral bacteria entering the blood stream and promoting coronary artery disease, or an increased plaque buildup and swelling of the arteries, according to the American Academy of Peridontology. A modest association between periodontal disease and stroke risk has also been discovered, according to research by Kaumudi J. Joshipura.