Dark Areas O n Teeth
Q. “There are d ark areas above some of my teeth. They don’ t hurt but I’m afraid they may be cavities. Are they ?”
A. What you are describing sounds like gum recession. Although you are not experiencing discomfort now, you may as it progresses. There are a number of causes for receded gums. In addition to the changes this can make on a smile’s appearance, there are other consequences of gum recession, including pain.
The gum tissues are designed to wrap the base of each tooth to protect the bone that supports the tooth as well as sensitive tooth roots. When the gum tissues shrinks away from teeth, root areas are exposed and become vulnerable to the repercussions of oral bacteria. This can lead to decay as well as the development of gum disease.
Because tooth roots lack the protective shell of enamel that is present on teeth above the gums, sensitivity of the teeth occurs. When these areas come in contact with the bristles of a toothbrush, hot coffee, or ice-cream, the reaction can be a sudden jolt of pain. When this happens, some people turn to a desensitizing toothpaste (available over-thecounter). These are designed to soothe the nerves to help block sensitivity signals in the nerves.
Even though using this type of toothpaste can be beneficial, it should be deemed as a temporary aid. While it’s important to eliminate discomfort, the ultimate goal should be to repair existing areas of and halt the progression of gum recession. To do this, we must determine why the gum recession is occurring in the first place.
Receded gums can be seen, as you’ve experienced, when dark segments of the tooth root are left uncovered. Recession can also make the teeth look longer, which gives your smile a less-youthful appearance. Hence, the phrase “long in the tooth”. include:
• Swollen, tender gums
• Gums that bleed when brushing or flossing
• Gums that become red
• Having sores or pus pockets on the gums
• Noticing a change in the way teeth fit when you bite
• Experiencing a change in the way a partial denture fits
Your gums play an important part in the appearance of your smile and also in the protection of the health of your teeth. When the sticky film of oral bacteria, known as plaque, is not removed on a daily basis, the gums can become inflamed.
Inflamed gums can loosen their grip around teeth. This enables entry of oral bacteria to the root area along with the bony structures that support teeth. Untreated, receded gums can lead to gum disease and eventual tooth loss.
The cause of your gum recession may be one or a combination of:
• Being too aggressive when brushing: Are you using a hard-bristle toothbrush or using a scrubbing motion to brush? When brushing teeth, be gentle and do not brush your gum tissue. Many patients are still told to brush their gums, but this action is damaging to the gum tissue, causing needless recession, and leads to the need for tissue grafting to replace the tissue brushed away. When you brush, use enough pressure so the tips of the bristles move across tooth surfaces. When you press too hard, the sides of bristles are what moves across teeth; a far less efficient way to clean them, and can additionally cause “notching” in the softer root surfaces of teeth. Hint: If you notice the bristles of your toothbrush start to curve out after a 2 months of use, you’re pressing down too hard.
• Having gum disease: If you have gum disease, the overload of oral bacteria can cause the gums to become inflamed. If gum disease is present, you will need periodontal therapy to rid its presence. Without treatment, the disease will only worsen and can result in the need for tooth removal. Additionally, research has shown that the bacteria of gum disease has been linked to serious health problems. These include stroke, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and some cancers.
• Night-time clenching and grinding: The act of clenching or grinding during sleep is known as bruxing. This can damage your teeth and disrupt their positions. Signs of grinding or clenching include frequent headaches, sore jaw joints, ear ringing, dizziness, and/or teeth that become worn, chipped, or fractured. If you suspect you are bruxing during sleep, your dentist can make recommendations to resolve the problem. He or she may advise sleeping in an oral appliance to protect the teeth.
• What you eat and how often you eat: Eating foods that are high in sugar or highly acidic (such as coffee, colas cit- rus, tomatoes) can lead to damage to the supporting structures of teeth and inflammation to the gums. Plus, every time you eat or drink, it triggers an acid attack in the mouth. When selecting foods and beverages, choose low-acid options (apple juice versus orange juice, for example). Limit snacking and keep sugar content to a minimum. Not only will your smile be healthier, your waistline will thank you as well!
• The aging process: Just as our skin becomes drier and less supple with age, the gum tissues experience drying effects as well. It also naturally recedes as a part of aging. As saliva production wanes, the gums thin and shrink somewhat.
How do you establish the true source of your gum recession? To begin, have a thorough examination by a periodontal specialist. This is a specialist who has advanced skills in treating the tissues in the mouth. He or she can determine where your recession is coming from and make recommendations to repair existing recession. Your periodontist will also suggest ways to help prevent its reoccurrence.
In many cases, gum grafting is the best way to recover the roots, protect teeth, and restore you smile’s health and appearance. If gum disease is present, you’ll need to have that resolved prior to any treatment. If caught early, non-surgical gum therapy may be able to sufficiently restore your oral health.
I also recommend you relook at your at-home oral hygiene routine. Are you brushing twice a day, for two minutes each time? And do you stay off of your gum tissues with your toothbrush. Do you floss daily? And, very importantly, see your general dentist every six months for an exam and cleaning. These visits will help you prevent problems or catch those that do occur early.