You’re admiring your bright smile when you notice you can see more of that tooth than you used to. Wow, it really doesn’t feel good when you touch that spot! It’s painful, really, and very uncomfortable. What the heck? You’ve been brushing, flossing, and practicing the same oral hygiene you’ve known since childhood, and suddenly, your gums, which are usually there to protect your teeth, have moved! If you’ve experienced this phenomenon, you might be suffering from gum recession, and the underlying causes can sneak in even after proper care. The hard part is, some of us don’t have control over it. About 30 percent of people are predisposed to gum recession thanks to genetics. Ouch. The good news is, there are lifestyle changes you can make to protect the precious tissue that covers your teeth. With some work, you can reclaim control of your gum health. When we talk about gum recession, we don’t mean that gum tissue disappears. Instead, the tissue pulls away from your tooth. Your gum tissue is there to protect your teeth, and when something’s not quite right in other parts of your mouth, the sensitive tissue draws back. Why Your Gums Are Pulling Back STOP THE RECESSION!
Misaligned teeth can also force your gums to pull away. If that’s the issue, it may be time to talk to an orthodontist.
Sometimes, your nighttime habits are the cause. Clenching and grinding at night — or, in dental terminology, bruxism— puts extra pressure on your jaw and teeth that can lead to gum recession. If you’ve woken up with a headache or your partner has complained about how noisy you are at night, it’s possible you’re grinding or clenching your teeth. If your problem is clenching or grinding, you might be suffering from sleep apnea. The clenching is in response to your body’s struggle to get enough oxygen as you sleep. A simple sleep study might be able to diagnose sleep disruptions, and it may lead you to not only healthier gums, but a better night’s sleep. Your dentist may even be able to fit you for a dental appliance as an alternative to a bulky sleep apnea mask. Depending on the severity of recession, there are a range of treatment plans available to you, from an intensive cleaning of the area to more extensive surgical options that a gum specialist, or periodontist, may perform. Whatever the cause of your gum recession, talk with your dentist to find the best option for you. LAUGHING GAS
Your daytime habits are a factor in your gum’s health. Smoking and other tobacco use can lead to a host of dental issues, including gum recession.
TATER TOT BOMBS BACON-WRAPPED
Sure, your showoff pal can wrap a tater tot with a piece of bacon and call it “The Daniel,” but you can take it a step further. Prepare a couple batches of these savory snacks for your Super Bowl party or the next family get-together. Snag a few for yourself before they disappear!
INGREDIENTS
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4 slices bacon, quartered
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2 cups frozen tater tots, defrosted
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1/4 cup brown sugar
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1 ounce sharp cheddar, cut into 1/4-inch squares
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1 tablespoon chopped parsley
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Heat oven to 400 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. 2. Press a cheese square into each tot, then wrap with a piece of bacon. Dredge each tot in brown sugar. 3. Place tots seam side down on baking sheet. Bake for 20–25 minutes, using metal tongs to turn halfway through. 4. Garnish with parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.
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Recipe inspired by ThisGrandmaIsFun.com.
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