Posts Tagged ‘it is not so shocking to see people in their mid or even early 20’s with gums already receding’
Retreating gums
The elders commonly have either teeth that are totally exposed from root to tip or they don’t have their natural teeth any longer. Either way, this has all started with the gums that recede. In the olden times, except the Stone Age time (their teeth were mysteriously as hard as rock that cavities are afraid to visit), it is a common sight to see the ‘wise ones’ (the senior citizens) having receding gums, naked teeth, or worst, no teeth at all. As we advance to the new generation, the teeth can’t seem to keep up. Nowadays, it is not so shocking to see people in their mid or even early 20’s with gums already receding, with dentures and other problems of the teeth and gums as well. The most common problem is the disease called Periodontitis.
This Periodontitis is defined in Wikipedia as a set of inflammatory disease affecting the periodontium—i.e., the tissues that surround and support the teeth. The alveolar bone surrounding the teeth is progressively lost and if left untreated, will loosen and subsequently cause total loss of teeth. So even in our early 30’s, there is a possibility that on one of those party nights, we might lose a tooth so easily. This is the effect of periodontitis, the teeth just fall off anytime and without pain! The symptoms come so quietly, tip toeing their way to the gums and teeth and before we know it, we are already beyond saving. Watch out when your gums are too red during brushing or when the gums bleed all too easily upon brushing, biting into hard foods or when using dental floss. These are the early symptoms of periodontitis; then comes the bad breath (although this may be caused by some other factors as well), gingival recession (what?) or lengthening of the teeth. The teeth apparently lengthen due to the receding gums. When symptoms are recurring, don’t wait for the other symptoms. Seek help and be examined by the experts. After all, once we lose our teeth as adults, they are never reborn. They will forever be just replacements and substitutes for what should have been natural.