Frequent Causes Why People Might Have Gum Recession and Ways To Treat It
THE IMPORTANCE OF YOUR GUMS
Even though your teeth are an important part of how sexy your smile is, your gums are just as important. This amazing tissue surrounding your teeth is the substructure of your smile and serves the crucial functions of holding your teeth in position and protecting their vulnerable roots. This is why gum recession is more than just an aesthetic concern; it is a serious oral health condition. If you want to keep your gums in good health, you have to learn the top causes of gum recession. From there, you can adjust your lifestyle and oral health routine to protect yourself from gum recession. Further, if you currently have receding gums, you have a lot of options for treatments that can assist in the restoration of your gumline. At MINT dentistry in Love Field, our skilled team of dental professionals offers both preventive care as well as the most effective interventions for receding gums, which are chosen depending on the reason behind your gum recession. Read on to learn more about receding gums, the causes, and frequently used treatment methods. Local men and women who want to maintain the health of their gums and wish to keep their teeth and gums looking great are invited to plan an oral health assessment with their dentist in Dallas, TX.
ALL ABOUT RECEDING GUMS
Gum recession occurs when the delicate gum tissue starts to withdraw from the teeth. An increasing amount of the tooth becomes exposed until, eventually, the tooth roots are also uncovered. Gum recession usually won't develop rapidly. Often, patients will start to have symptoms like red, swollen, and sore gums that bleed for no reason. Discharge along your gumline and chronic bad breath (halitosis) are also indicators that often develop before gum recession. In the event that you notice any of them, we urge you to set up a consultation with your dentist in Dallas, TX as soon as possible. If gum recession is ignored, your teeth are likely to start to become loose or fall out because the gum tissues aren't healthy enough to hold them secured.
TOP REASONS BEHIND RECEDING GUMS
Unfortunately, gum recession is not a rare dental problem, particularly for men and women past the age of 40. There are several causes of gum recession, which will assist your dentist in choosing how to treat yours. A few of the most frequently seen reasons behind gum recession are:
- GENETICS
Genetics can make you vulnerable to gum recession, which means it will be more critical to take extra care of your oral health. Find out whether any family members have had gum disease and then let your dentist know. - BRUXISM
Many people grind their teeth and clench their jaws when they are anxious at work or while sleeping (nocturnal bruxism). The intensity of clenching and grinding erodes your teeth and gums. - MALOCCLUSION OR CROOKED TEETH
Like with tooth grinding, irregularly positioned teeth and a misaligned bite (dental malocclusion) can impose extra pressure on your teeth, gums, and jawbone. Arrange a visit with your dentist in Dallas, TX to talk about orthodontic options like Invisalign to gradually change your bite into the proper position. - HORMONE FLUCTUATIONS
The changing hormones that females go through during adolescence, pregnancy, and throughout menopause can cause worsening gum swelling and redness and heightened tenderness. It is especially important to protect yourself from gingivitis during pregnancy, since it can affect the health of the expecting mom and the child. - USING TOBACCO
The poisonous toxins in any tobacco products can hurt your gums. Also, though they don't include tobacco, the sticky ingredients in e-cigarettes and vaping liquid can also be dangerous. Get help with tobacco cessation with your doctor and then make an appointment with your dentist to go over ways to enhance your oral health. - BRUSHING TOO OFTEN
Though it may seem counterintuitive, brushing your teeth too often can also lead to gum recession. Brushing too much or too harshly gradually wears down the gums. All dentists recommend using a brush with soft bristles to brush your teeth and massage your gums. - INCONSISTENT DENTAL HYGIENE
Choosing not to floss and brush every day leaves food particles and plaque to accumulate between your teeth, which can promote periodontal (gum) disease. Gum disease is a leading reason that people start to experience gum recession. Flossing is particularly critical in cleaning this accumulation from your gumline and helping blood circulation. - PERIODONTAL DISEASE
The number one cause of receding gums is periodontitis, the most advanced stage of gum disease. This disease of your soft tissue can cause gum recession if not promptly treated.
YOUR CHOICES FOR MANAGING GUM RECESSION
To determine the ideal treatment for your gum recession, your dental practitioner will first need to locate the cause. Gum erosion caused by gum disease will be treated in relation to how serious your case is. For patients who present with the first stage of periodontal disease, referred to as gingivitis, dentists usually do a number of scaling and root planing (SRP) treatments. A very common deep-cleaning method, SRP therapy scrapes away the buildup from 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 oral health, or if you are experiencing the next stage of gum disease referred to as periodontitis, your dental practitioner might perform gum surgery, or he or she could refer you to a periodontist. During gum surgery, incisions will be made in your gum tissue to enter deeper into your gum pockets and remove buildup along your tooth roots. Both SRP therapy and gum surgery are typically accompanied by a round of antibiotics to kill any leftover bacteria. After SRP therapy or gum surgery, your dental practitioner will allow some time for your gums to heal and regrow on their own. In cases where your gumline is still too recessed, gum graft surgery can be done. Gingival grafts frequently use tissue from other places in your mouth, including the roof of your mouth, to add tissue where necessary along your gumline. Man-made and donor grafts might 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 practice a consistent home oral hygiene regimen and have regular appointments with your dental practitioner in Dallas, TX for yearly dental examinations and biannual professional cleanings.
REHABILITATE YOUR GUMLINE
Your gums are integral to your oral well-being, so it's necessary to be vigilant about your gums in order to have a brilliant, healthy smile. Schedule a tooth and gum exam with your dentist if you have questions about gum disease or gum recession. At MINT dentistry in Love Field, our experienced staff of dental professionals provides diagnoses and effective treatment options for gum recession, including SRP therapy, periodontal surgery, and gum grafting. Reach out to our facility in Dallas, TX to schedule consultations for your family.