Leading Reasons Why You Could Develop Gum Recession and Ways To Treat It
THE IMPORTANCE OF YOUR GUMS
While your teeth are an essential part of how healthy your smile looks, your gums are equally as important. This soft tissue supporting your teeth is the basis for your smile and serves the vital purposes of securing your teeth in place and sheltering their sensitive roots. This is why a receding gumline is not simply an aesthetic problem. It is a significant dental condition. If you want to keep your gums healthy, you must be aware of the most frequent causes of gum recession. Then, you can adjust your habits and oral health regimen to prevent receding gums. In addition, if you already suffer from receding gums, there are a lot of options for procedures that can aid in the restoration of your gumline. At MINT dentistry in Elmsworth, our experienced team of dental professionals provides preventive care as well as many treatments for gum recession, which are chosen according to the cause of your gum recession. Continue reading to understand more about receding gums, the causes, and effective treatment methods. Local men and women who want to ensure their gum health and would like to keep their smiles looking sexy are invited to plan an oral health assessment with their dental practitioner in Houston, TX.
THE DANGERS OF RECEDING GUMS
Gum erosion occurs when the compromised gumline starts to shrink away from the teeth. An increasing amount of the tooth becomes exposed until, over time, the sensitive roots are also uncovered. Gum recession generally won't happen abruptly; first, patients will begin to notice symptoms like red, swollen, and tender gums that bleed easily. Discharge at your gumline and chronic foul-smelling breath (halitosis) are also indicators that are likely to precede gum recession. In the event that you have any of them, you need to schedule a visit with your dentist in Houston, TX right away. If receding gums are neglected, your teeth might become loose and fall out, since the gum tissues aren't healthy enough to hold them secured.
COMMON CAUSES OF GUM RECESSION
Regrettably, gum recession is not a rare dental issue, particularly for people over 40 years old. There are several causes of receding gums, which will aid your dentist in establishing how to treat yours. Some of the most frequently seen reasons behind gum erosion are:
- HEREDITY
Hereditary factors can make you vulnerable to receding gums, which will make it more important to be vigilant about your teeth and gums. Find out if any family members have had periodontal disease and then tell your dental practitioner. - HORMONAL FLUCTUATIONS
The changing hormones that women have during adolescence, pregnancy, and throughout menopause can trigger advanced gum swelling and redness and elevated soreness. It is quite important to prevent gingivitis during pregnancy, since it could affect the health of both the mother and the baby. - GRINDING AND CLENCHING YOUR TEETH
Many people clench their teeth and jaws if they are worried at work or as they sleep (nocturnal bruxism). The force of clenching and grinding erodes your teeth and oral soft tissue. - BRUSHING TOO HARD
Even though it may sound odd, scrubbing your teeth too much can also be a cause of receding gums. Brushing too often and too hard slowly eats away at the gums. All dentists recommend using a brush with soft bristles to clean your teeth and massage your gums. - TOBACCO PRODUCTS
The unhealthy chemicals in all tobacco products can damage your gums. In addition, though they don't contain tobacco, the sticky ingredients in vape pens and electronic cigarettes can also be harmful. Discuss tobacco cessation with your doctor and then visit your dental practitioner to discuss your options to bring back your oral health. - MALOCCLUSION OR CROOKED TEETH
Like with bruxism, irregularly positioned teeth and malocclusion (bite misalignment) can put unnecessary weight on your teeth, gums, and jawbone. Schedule a visit with your dental practitioner in Houston, TX to discuss treatments like Invisalign to safely move your teeth into the proper position. - INSUFFICIENT DENTAL HYGIENE
Choosing not to brush and floss every day allows food bits and plaque to accumulate along your gums, which can cause periodontal (gum) disease. Gum disease is a top reason that men and women start to have eroding gums. Flossing is particularly important in removing this accumulation from your gums and encouraging blood circulation. - PERIODONTAL DISEASE
The top cause of receding gums is periodontitis, the latest stage of periodontal disease. This disease of your gum tissue will likely lead to gum recession if not properly treated.
METHODS OF TREATING GUM RECESSION
To decide on the correct treatment for your receding gums, your dentist will first have to identify the cause. Gum deterioration caused by gum disease will be treated according to how advanced your condition is. For individuals who present with the early stage of periodontal disease, commonly known as gingivitis, dentists usually conduct a number of scaling and root planing (SRP) treatments. A noninvasive deep-cleaning method, SRP therapy removes the buildup from your gum pockets and smoothes the enamel to protect against future accumulation. If SRP therapy is not able to restore your oral health, or if you have the second stage of gum disease (periodontitis), your dental practitioner may perform periodontal surgery, or he or she may refer you to an oral surgeon. During periodontal surgery, incisions will be created in your gum tissue to penetrate deeper into your gum pockets and remove buildup on your tooth roots. Both SRP treatments and periodontal surgery are generally accompanied by a round of prescription antibiotics to clear any leftover bacteria. After SRP treatment or gum surgery, your dental practitioner will allow some time for your gums to mend and regrow. In cases where your gumline is still insufficient, gingival graft surgery can be performed. Periodontal plastic surgeries frequently utilize tissue from different places in your mouth, such as the roof of your mouth, to increase coverage where needed along your gumline. Man-made and donor grafts can also be used for individuals who don't have enough tissue to create a proper gumline. Once you have recovered from gingival grafting, it is important to follow a good home oral hygiene regimen and attend regular appointments with your dentist in Houston, TX for annual dental examinations and twice-yearly dental cleanings.
BRING BACK YOUR GUMLINE
Your gums are vital to your oral well-being, so you have to maintain your gums to have a healthy, sexy smile. Set up a tooth and gum checkup with your dentist if you are concerned about periodontal disease or gum recession. At MINT dentistry in Elmsworth, our knowledgeable team of dental professionals provides diagnoses and multiple treatment options for gum recession, including SRP therapy, gum surgery, and gingival grafting. Reach out to our office in Houston, TX to set up appointments for your family.