You may have noticed when you are looking in the mirror that some of your teeth look larger than others. While this might just be due to your heredity, it could also be because your gumline is shrinking and pulling away from your teeth.
This is not a case of shrinking hair and growing hairline that can be resolved. Shrinking gumlines are a warning sign that something is going on in your mouth- and it’s not a good thing.
Shrinking Gums
When your gums pull away from your teeth, it is a sign of gum disease. Gum disease has several warning signs. The first sign of problems is when your gums bleed, either when you brush your teeth or when you floss. If you treat gum disease (gingivitis) when you first begin to notice your gums are bleeding, your gums should return to a normal, healthy pinkness.
However, if you don’t get treatment for the beginning stages of gum disease, your gums will continue to have problems. You will begin to see your gums pull away from your teeth. You may notice gaps between your teeth and gums, which is not a good thing.
When your gums pull away from your teeth, it leaves your teeth and gums open to infection, which can further damage your teeth and gums. It can also lead to other health problems, like heart attacks and strokes. Loss of gum mass can also lead to tooth loss as well, because the gums help to anchor your teeth to the jawbone and keep them in place.
Not sure if you have problems with your gums? Do you think you might need to have a check of your teeth or gums? Give us a call. We’ll be happy to schedule an appointment for you to check your teeth and gums.