Looking a little “Long in the Tooth”?  Where the heck did that phrase come from?

It started with trying to determine the age of a horse on the trading block and quickly transcended into referring to older people as well.  As people aged, it appeared that their teeth got longer.  Actually, today we know that its actually receding gums, not lengthening teeth.

Receding Gums are a condition in which the gums separate from the tooth, allowing bacteria and other substances to attack the tooth’s enamel and surrounding bone.

There’s a number of reasons for gums to recede – such as aggressive tooth brushing, insufficient dental care, periodontal diseases, tobacco products, grinding and clutching teeth, and even hormonal changes.

If you have heard a dentist call out numbers when you have gone in for a cleaning, it is the measurement of the spacing between the tooth and gum and it indicates whether there might be a problem with the gum tissue.

Don’t let receding gums go untreated.  Delaying treatment can cause you to lose teeth.  Dr. Albather, because she is a periodontist, is a great resource on how to treat receding gums.  There are a lot of options, depending on the severity of the condition.  Call her today at 425-644-7444 for an appointment.