Common Reasons Why People Could Develop Gum Recession and Ways To Manage It
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT YOUR GUMS
Even though your teeth are an essential part of how attractive your smile is, your gums are also important. This remarkable tissue supporting your teeth is the substructure of your smile and performs the important functions of securing your teeth in position and guarding their sensitive roots. Therefore, gum recession is more pressing than an aesthetic problem. It is a worrisome dental condition. To keep your gums in good health, you need to know the leading precursors to gum recession. With that knowledge, you can adjust your lifestyle and oral health regimen to stave off gum recession. In addition, if you already suffer from receding gums, you have numerous options for treatments that can help in maintaining your gumline. At MINT dentistry in Garland, our skilled staff of dental professionals provides preventive care as well as several interventions for receding gums, which will be chosen depending on the reason behind your gum recession. Continue reading to discover more about receding gums, the causes, and effective treatment options. Area individuals who want to ensure their gum health and wish to keep their smiles looking amazing are invited to set up an oral health assessment with a dental practitioner in Garland, TX.
THE DANGERS OF RECEDING GUMS
Gum erosion develops when the compromised gum tissue starts to shrink away from the teeth. An increasing amount of the tooth is visible until, over time, the roots are also exposed. Gum recession typically won't occur in one day; first, patients will begin to develop symptoms like red, swollen, and painful gums that bleed for no reason. Discharge along your gumline and persistent bad breath (halitosis) are also symptoms that are likely to develop before gum recession. When you notice any of them, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist in Garland, TX right away. If receding gums are left untreated, your teeth are likely to start to loosen or fall out because the gums aren't able to hold them in position.
COMMON CAUSES OF GUM RECESSION
Sadly, receding gums are not an unusual dental issue, particularly for patients over the age of 40. There are numerous causes of gum recession, which will assist your dentist in deciding the best way to treat yours. A few of the most common reasons behind gum erosion are:
- PERIODONTAL DISEASE
The top cause of gum recession is periodontitis, the latest phase of gum disease. This inflammation in your gum tissue will probably cause gum recession if not properly treated. - MISALIGNED BITES OR CROOKED TEETH
As with tooth grinding, crooked teeth and a misaligned bite (dental malocclusion) can place extra weight on your jaws, teeth, and gums. Arrange an appointment with your dental practitioner in Garland, TX to talk about orthodontic treatments like Invisalign to gradually move your bite into the proper position. - USING TOBACCO
The unhealthy chemicals in all tobacco products can hurt your gums. Further, though they don't contain tobacco, the gooey substances in e-cigarettes and vaping liquid are also harmful. Talk about quitting tobacco with your general practitioner and then see your dentist to discuss your options to restore your oral health. - POOR DENTAL CARE
Neglecting to brush and floss after eating causes food detritus and plaque to build up between your teeth, which can cause gum (periodontal) disease. Gum disease is a leading reason that men and women start to experience gum recession. Flossing is particularly crucial to eliminating this accumulation from your gumline and helping blood circulation. - GRINDING AND CLENCHING YOUR TEETH
Numerous people clench their teeth and jaws when they are stressed at work or as they sleep (nocturnal bruxism). The force of grinding and clenching wears down your teeth and gums. - HORMONAL CHANGES
The variations in hormones that females go through during adolescence, while pregnant, and throughout menopause can cause worsening gum swelling and redness as well as elevated soreness. It is very important to protect yourself from gingivitis during pregnancy, since it could negatively impact the health of the mother and the infant. - HEREDITY
Hereditary factors may predispose you to receding gums, which means it will be more critical to pay attention to your oral health. Find out whether any close relatives have experienced periodontal disease and then let your dentist know. - BRUSHING TOO HARD
Even though it might seem strange, brushing your teeth too hard can also lead to receding gums. Brushing too much or too aggressively gradually wears down the soft tissue. It's important to be using a brush with soft bristles when you brush your teeth and massage your gums.
OPTIONS FOR TREATING GUM EROSION
To decide on the ideal treatment for your receding gums, your dental practitioner will need to locate the cause. Gum erosion caused by periodontal (gum) disease will be treated based on how serious your gum disease is. For people who present with the first stage of periodontal disease, referred to as gingivitis, dentists typically perform several scaling and root planing (SRP) sessions. A very common procedure, SRP therapy eliminates the buildup inside your gum pockets and polishes away pits in the enamel to protect against future buildup. If SRP deep cleaning is not able to restore your gum health, or if you are experiencing the second stage of gum disease referred to as periodontitis, your dentist can possibly perform gum surgery, or they may refer you to an oral surgeon. During gum surgery, tiny, precise cuts will be made in your gum tissue to enter farther into your gum pockets and clean any accumulation along your tooth roots. SRP treatments and periodontal surgery are typically accompanied by a cycle of prescription antibiotics to kill any lingering bacteria. Following SRP treatment or periodontal surgery, your dental practitioner will allow some time for your gums to heal and regrow on their own. If your gumline remains insufficient, gum graft surgery can be performed. Gingival grafts generally utilize tissue from different places in your mouth, such as your roof palate, to supplement the coverage where required on your gumline. Synthetic and donor grafts can also be used for individuals who don't have enough tissue to create a robust gumline. After you have recovered from gingival grafting, it is vital that you follow a good home oral hygiene routine and attend regular visits with your dentist in Garland, TX for yearly dental checkups and twice-yearly professional cleanings.
REHABILITATE YOUR GUMLINE
Your gums are vital to your overall oral health, so it's necessary to maintain your gums in order to enjoy a healthy, sexy smile. Set up a comprehensive oral assessment with a dentist if you have questions about periodontal disease or gum recession. At MINT dentistry in Garland, our skilled staff of dental professionals offers diagnoses and multiple treatment options for receding gums, including SRP therapy, gum surgery, and gingival grafting. Visit our practice in Garland, TX to schedule exams for your family.