Leading Causes Why You Might Have Gum Recession and How To Treat It
THE IMPORTANCE OF YOUR GUMS
While your teeth are integral to how sexy your smile looks, your gums are equally as important. This soft tissue supporting your teeth is the basis for your smile and performs the vital functions of holding your teeth in position and covering their sensitive roots. This is why gum recession is not simply a cosmetic issue. It is a significant oral health condition. To keep your gums in good health, you need to know the typical causes of gum recession. Then, you can adapt your habits and oral health routine to defend against gum recession. However, if you already have receding gums, there are multiple options for procedures that can assist in healing your gumline. At MINT dentistry in Highland Hotel, our skilled staff of dental professionals provides preventive care as well as multiple interventions for receding gums, which will be chosen according to the cause of your gum recession. Read on to discover more about receding gums, the causes, and effective treatment methods. Local individuals who want to ensure the health of their gums and would like to keep their teeth and gums looking attractive are invited to schedule an oral health examination with a dentist in Dallas, TX.
ALL ABOUT RECEDING GUMS
Gum recession happens when the soft gumline starts to withdraw from the teeth. More and more of the tooth becomes exposed until, over time, the roots are also exposed. Gum recession generally won't develop quickly; first, you'll begin to notice symptoms such as inflamed and sore gums that bleed for no reason. Discharge along your gumline and persistent foul-smelling breath (halitosis) are also symptoms that often develop before receding gums. In the event that you have any of these, we urge you to schedule a consultation with your dental practitioner in Dallas, TX as soon as possible. If receding gums are ignored, your teeth could start to become loose or fall out, since the gums aren't healthy enough to keep them in position.
COMMON CAUSES OF RECEDING GUMS
Sadly, receding gums are a frequently seen dental issue, particularly for individuals over the age of 40. There are many causes of gum recession, which will help your dental practitioner in deciding how to manage yours. A few of the most common reasons behind gum erosion are:
- HORMONE CHANGES
The fluctuating hormones that women experience during adolescence, while pregnant, and with menopause can lead to advanced gum swelling and redness and elevated soreness. It is quite important to be aware of gingivitis during pregnancy, since it can affect the health of the expecting mom and the baby. - GENETICS
Genetics might make you vulnerable to gum recession, which means it will be more necessary to be vigilant about your oral health. Ask if any family members have dealt with periodontitis and then tell your dental practitioner. - INSUFFICIENT DENTAL CARE
Choosing not to floss and brush every day allows food debris and plaque to accumulate between your teeth, which can promote gum (periodontal) disease. Gum disease is a leading reason that men and women begin to experience gum recession. Flossing is especially critical in eliminating this accumulation from your gumline and encouraging blood circulation. - PERIODONTAL DISEASE
The number one reason behind receding gums is periodontitis, the worst phase of gum disease. This infection in your gum tissue can cause gum recession if not properly treated. - MISALIGNED BITES AND IRREGULARLY POSITIONED TEETH
Similar to tooth grinding, crooked teeth and malocclusion (bite misalignment) can impose extra pressure on your jaws, teeth, and gums. Arrange a visit with your dentist in Dallas, TX to discuss orthodontic treatments like Invisalign to safely change your bite into the proper alignment. - CLENCHING OR GRINDING TEETH
Numerous people grind their teeth and clench their jaws when they are tense during the day or as they sleep (nocturnal bruxism). The pressure of clenching and grinding erodes your teeth and gums. - BRUSHING YOUR TEETH TOO HARD
While it may strike you as unusual, scrubbing your teeth too often can also be a cause of receding gums. Brushing too often or too aggressively slowly wears down the soft tissue. All dentists recommend using a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean your teeth and gums. - SMOKING OR CHEWING TOBACCO
The poisonous toxins in all tobacco products can weaken your gums. Also, though they don't contain tobacco, the gooey components in vape pens and electronic cigarettes are also dangerous. Discuss quitting tobacco with your general practitioner and then see your dentist to learn about your options to restore your oral health.
METHODS OF TREATING GUM RECESSION
To figure out the most appropriate treatment for your receding gums, your dental practitioner will first have to locate the cause. Gum recession caused by periodontal (gum) disease will be treated according to how advanced your gum disease is. For people who present with the first stage of gum disease, called gingivitis, dentists typically conduct multiple scaling and root planing (SRP) treatments. A nonsurgical deep-cleaning method, SRP therapy removes the accumulated plaque inside your gum pockets and polishes away pits in the enamel to protect against future buildup. If SRP deep cleaning is not able to improve your gum health, or if you have the more advanced stage of gum disease (periodontitis), your dentist might perform gum surgery, or they could refer you to a periodontist. During gum surgery, incisions will be created in your gum tissue to penetrate farther into your gum pockets and remove buildup along your tooth roots. Both SRP therapy and periodontal surgery are typically accompanied by a round of antibiotics to kill any persistent bacteria. After SRP treatment and periodontal surgery, your dental practitioner will allow some time for your gums to heal and regenerate on their own. If your gumline is still insufficient, gum graft surgery may be done. Gum grafts often use tissue from other areas of your mouth, including your roof palate, to add tissue where required along your gumline. Synthetic and donor grafts might also be used for patients who don't have enough tissue to create a robust gumline. After you have healed from periodontal plastic surgery, it is important to follow a careful home oral hygiene regimen and schedule regular visits with your dental practitioner in Dallas, TX for yearly dental examinations and twice-yearly professional cleanings.
BRING BACK YOUR GUMLINE
Gum tissue is central to your overall dental well-being, so you have to maintain your gums to attain a stunning, pristine smile. Schedule an oral health checkup with a dentist if you have questions about periodontal disease or gum recession. At MINT dentistry in Highland Hotel, our knowledgeable staff of dental professionals provides diagnoses and many treatment options for gum recession, including SRP therapy, gum surgery, and gum grafting. Reach out to our office in Dallas, TX to set up appointments for your family.