Frequent Causes Why You Could Have Receding Gums and How To Treat It
THE IMPORTANCE OF YOUR GUMS
While your teeth are a huge factor in how sexy your smile is, your gums are just as important. This pink tissue in your mouth is the substructure of your smile and performs the crucial purposes of securing your teeth in position and shielding their sensitive roots. Therefore, a receding gumline is more than just an aesthetic issue; it is a worrisome dental condition. If you want to keep your gums healthy, you need to be aware of the top contributing factors of gum recession. Then, you can adapt your habits and oral health regimen to stave off gum recession. Further, if you currently suffer from receding gums, you have numerous options for procedures that can assist in the restoration of your gumline. At MINT dentistry in Richardson City Line, our skilled staff of dental professionals performs preventive care as well as a full range of interventions for receding gums, which are selected based on the cause of your gum recession. Continue reading to learn more about receding gums, the causes, and common treatment methods. Area individuals who want to maintain their gum health and wish to keep their teeth and gums looking attractive should set up an oral health examination with a dental practitioner in Richardson, TX.
TOOTH LOSS AND GUM RECESSION
A receding gumline develops when the delicate gum tissue begins to slowly disappear along the teeth. An increasing amount of the tooth becomes visible until, over time, the tooth roots are also uncovered. Gum recession usually won't happen abruptly; first, patients will start to notice symptoms like red, swollen, and painful gums that bleed easily. Secretions at your gumline and persistent foul-smelling breath (halitosis) are also symptoms that usually precede gum recession. If you notice any of these, you need to set up an appointment with your dental practitioner in Richardson, TX right away. If gum recession is ignored, your teeth are likely to start to loosen or fall out because the gum tissues aren't healthy enough to hold them in place.
TOP REASONS BEHIND GUM RECESSION
Regrettably, receding gums are not an unusual dental problem, especially for those over the age of 40. There are a lot of different causes of receding gums, which will aid your dentist in choosing the best way to treat yours. Some of the most frequently seen causes of gum erosion are:
- TOBACCO CONSUMPTION
The unhealthy chemicals in tobacco products can damage your gums. In addition, though they don't contain tobacco, the gooey ingredients in e-cigarettes and vaping liquid are also harmful. Get help with quitting tobacco with your general practitioner and then make an appointment with your dental practitioner to go over your options to bring back your oral health. - PERIODONTAL DISEASE
The top cause of gum recession is periodontitis, the worst stage of gum disease. This disease in your gum tissue will likely lead to gum recession if not promptly treated. - INCONSISTENT DENTAL CARE
Neglecting to floss and brush every day allows food detritus and plaque to build up along your gums, which can lead to gum (periodontal) disease. Periodontal disease is a very common reason that men and women start to have eroding gums. Flossing is especially critical in removing buildup from your gumline and helping blood circulation. - MISALIGNED BITES AND UNEVEN TEETH
Similar to tooth grinding, uneven teeth and a misaligned bite (dental malocclusion) can inflict unnecessary force on your teeth, gums, and jawbone. Arrange an appointment with your dental practitioner in Richardson, TX to discuss orthodontic options like Invisalign to gradually adjust your teeth into the proper alignment. - BRUXISM
A large number of people clench their jaws and/or grind their teeth when they are worried during the day or as they sleep (nocturnal bruxism). The intensity of clenching and grinding can cause erosion of your teeth and gums. - GENETICS
Genetics might make you vulnerable to receding gums, which will make it more necessary to take extra care of your teeth and gums. Ask whether any family members have experienced gum disease and then tell your dental practitioner. - HORMONE CHANGES
The changing hormones that females have during adolescence, while pregnant, and all the way through menopause can lead to intensified gum inflammation as well as increased soreness. It is especially important to avoid gingivitis during pregnancy because it could negatively impact the health of the pregnant woman and the infant. - BRUSHING YOUR TEETH TOO HARSHLY
Though it may seem odd, brushing your teeth too much can also be a cause of gum recession. Brushing too much or too harshly eventually wears down the soft tissue. You should be using a soft-bristled toothbrush when you brush your teeth and massage your gums.
METHODS OF MANAGING GUM RECESSION
To figure out the correct treatment for your receding gums, your dentist will have to diagnose the cause. Gum recession caused by periodontal (gum) disease will be treated based on how advanced your condition is. For men and women who have the early stage of periodontal disease, referred to as gingivitis, dentists usually perform several scaling and root planing (SRP) treatments. A nonsurgical procedure, SRP therapy eliminates the buildup from your gum pockets and polishes away pits in the enamel to protect against future accumulation. If SRP deep cleaning is not able to improve your oral health, or if you have the second stage of gum disease referred to as periodontitis, your dentist can possibly perform gum surgery, or they might refer you to a gum specialist. During periodontal surgery, tiny, precise cuts will be made in your gum tissue to reach deeper into your gum pockets and clean any accumulation on your tooth roots. Both SRP therapy and periodontal surgery are often followed by a cycle of prescription antibiotics to kill any surviving bacteria. Following SRP therapy or periodontal surgery, your dentist will wait a bit for your gums to get better and regrow. In the event that your gumline is still too recessed, gingival graft surgery could be done. Periodontal plastic surgeries typically utilize tissue from different places in your mouth, including your roof palate, to supplement the coverage where needed along your gumline. Synthetic and donor grafts could also be used for individuals who don't have adequate tissue to create a healthy gumline. Once you have recovered from gingival grafting, it is vital that you follow a consistent home oral hygiene routine and have regular appointments with your dental practitioner in Richardson, TX for annual dental examinations and biannual dental cleanings.
BRING BACK YOUR GUMS
Your gums are the basis for your dental well-being, so you need to be careful with your gums in order to have an attractive, vibrant smile. Set up an oral health evaluation with your dentist if you have questions about gum disease or receding gums. At MINT dentistry in Richardson City Line, our knowledgeable staff of dental professionals provides diagnoses and multiple treatment options for receding gums, including SRP therapy, periodontal surgery, and gingival grafting. Visit our office in Richardson, TX to schedule appointments for your entire family.