Typical Causes Why People Could Have Gum Recession and How To Treat It
ALL ABOUT YOUR GUMS
While your teeth are integral to how gorgeous your smile looks, your gums are just as important. This amazing tissue in your mouth is the foundation of your smile and serves the critical purposes of securing your teeth in position and covering their sensitive roots. This is why gum erosion is more than just a cosmetic problem. It is a significant dental condition. If you want to keep your gums healthy, you need to learn the leading causes of gum recession. Then, you can adapt your habits and oral health practices to protect yourself from gum recession. Plus, if you already suffer from receding gums, you have several options for treatments that can assist in restoring your gumline. At MINT dentistry in Rowlett, our skilled team of dental professionals performs both preventive care as well as the most effective treatments for receding gums, which will be chosen according to the reason behind your gum recession. Continue reading to learn more about gum recession, the causes, and common treatment options. Local patients who want to protect the health of their gums and wish to keep their smiles looking gorgeous should plan an oral health examination with a dentist in Rowlett, TX.
THE DANGERS OF RECEDING GUMS
A receding gumline happens when the soft gum tissue begins to shrink away from the teeth. More and more of the enamel is visible until, over time, the sensitive roots are also bare. Gum recession typically does not happen in one day. Often, you'll start to have symptoms like inflamed and sore gums that bleed while brushing and/or flossing. Discharge along your gumline and consistent bad breath (halitosis) are also symptoms that typically develop before receding gums. When you have any of these, we urge you to set up a visit with your dental practitioner in Rowlett, TX right away. If receding gums are left untreated, your teeth might start to become loose and fall out because the gum tissues aren't strong enough to hold them secured.
TOP CAUSES OF GUM RECESSION
Unfortunately, receding gums are not an unusual dental issue, especially for patients past the age of 40. There are many causes of receding gums, which should aid your dental practitioner in choosing the best way to treat yours. A few of the most common reasons behind receding gums are:
- BRUXISM
A large number of people clench their teeth and jaws when they are stressed at work or while sleeping (nocturnal bruxism). The force of grinding and clenching erodes your teeth and gums. - BRUSHING YOUR TEETH TOO HARSHLY
Though it may seem unusual, scrubbing your teeth too aggressively can also lead to gum recession. Brushing too much or too aggressively slowly wears down the soft tissue. All dentists recommend using a brush with soft bristles when you brush your teeth and gums. - GUM DISEASE
The most frequent reason behind gum recession is periodontitis, the latest stage of gum disease. This infection of your soft tissue could lead to gum recession if not properly treated. - GENETICS
Hereditary factors might make you vulnerable to receding gums, which will make it more critical to pay attention to your teeth and gums. Ask whether your parents or siblings have dealt with periodontal disease and then tell your dental practitioner. - TOBACCO PRODUCTS
The unhealthy toxins in all tobacco products can weaken your gums. Further, though they don't have tobacco, the sticky ingredients in vape pens and electronic cigarettes are also harmful. Talk about tobacco cessation with your doctor and then visit your dental practitioner to discuss your options to restore your oral health. - INSUFFICIENT DENTAL CARE
Failing to floss and brush after eating leaves food detritus and plaque to build up between your teeth, which can lead to gum (periodontal) disease. Periodontal disease is a leading reason that patients begin to have gum recession. Flossing is particularly important in removing this accumulation from your gumline and promoting blood circulation. - MISALIGNED BITES OR UNEVEN TEETH
Like with bruxism, uneven teeth and malocclusion (bite misalignment) can place extra pressure on your teeth, gums, and jawbone. Schedule a visit with your dentist in Rowlett, TX to learn about orthodontic options like Invisalign to gradually adjust your teeth into the correct position. - HORMONAL CHANGES
The fluctuating hormones that females experience during adolescence, pregnancy, and throughout menopause can cause intensified gum swelling and redness and heightened sensitivity. It is very important to prevent gingivitis during pregnancy because it can affect the health of both the mother and the child.
OPTIONS FOR TREATING RECEDING GUMS
To figure out the most appropriate treatment for your receding gums, your dental practitioner will first need to locate the cause. Gum recession caused by gum disease will be treated based on how advanced your case is. For people who present with the early stage of gum disease, commonly known as gingivitis, dentists often perform multiple scaling and root planing (SRP) sessions. A very common procedure, SRP therapy removes the buildup inside your gum pockets and smoothes the enamel to help avoid future accumulation. If SRP therapy is not sufficient to improve your gum health, or if you have the second stage of gum disease referred to as periodontitis, your dental practitioner may perform gum surgery, or he or she could refer you to an oral surgeon. During periodontal surgery, tiny, precise cuts will be made in your gum tissue to reach farther into your gum pockets and remove buildup along your tooth roots. SRP therapy and periodontal surgery are often accompanied by a cycle of antibiotics to clear any persistent bacteria. Following SRP therapy or gum surgery, your dentist will allow some time for your gums to get better and regrow. In the event that your gumline remains too recessed, gingival graft surgery could be done. Gum grafts typically utilize tissue from different areas of your mouth, for example, the roof of your mouth, to increase coverage where needed on your gumline. Synthetic and donor grafts can also be used for individuals who don't have adequate tissue to build a proper gumline. Once you have recovered from periodontal plastic surgery, it is important to practice a careful home oral hygiene routine and schedule regular appointments with your dental practitioner in Rowlett, TX for annual dental examinations and biannual dental cleanings.
REHABILITATE YOUR GUMLINE
Gum tissue is integral to your overall oral well-being, so it's necessary to be vigilant about your gums in order to have a healthy, sexy smile. Schedule an oral health assessment with your dentist if you have questions about periodontal disease or gum recession. At MINT dentistry in Rowlett, our experienced staff of dental professionals offers diagnoses and many treatment options for receding gums, including scaling and root planing, periodontal surgery, and gingival grafting. Call our practice in Rowlett, TX to schedule exams for your whole family.