Typical Causes Why People Could Develop Receding Gums and How To Treat It
THE IMPORTANCE OF YOUR GUMS
Although your teeth are an essential part of how gorgeous your smile looks, your gums are just as important. This amazing tissue surrounding your teeth is the basis for your smile and serves the critical functions of securing your teeth in position and protecting their vulnerable roots. This is why gum recession is not simply a cosmetic issue; it is a significant dental condition. To keep your gums healthy, you need to be aware of the leading contributing factors of gum recession. From there, you can change your lifestyle and oral health regimen to defend against receding gums. However, if you already have receding gums, you have many options for treatments that can assist in healing your gumline. At MINT dentistry in Pasadena, our experienced team of dental professionals performs preventive care as well as a full range of interventions for gum recession, which will be chosen depending on the cause of your gum recession. Continue reading to find out more about gum recession, the causes, and common treatment methods. Local men and women who want to protect the health of their gums and wish to keep their smiles looking attractive can plan an oral health evaluation with a dentist in Pasadena, TX.
WHY YOU SHOULD WORRY ABOUT GUM RECESSION
Gum recession happens when the soft gumline starts to withdraw from the teeth. More and more of the enamel is visible until, gradually, the sensitive roots are also uncovered. Gum recession usually won't occur rapidly. Often, patients will start to develop symptoms like inflamed and painful gums that bleed while brushing and/or flossing. Secretions along your gumline and chronic foul-smelling breath (halitosis) are also signs that can develop before gum recession. When you notice any of them, we urge you to set up an appointment with your dental practitioner in Pasadena, TX as soon as possible. If gum recession is left untreated, your teeth may start to loosen or fall out because the gum tissues can't keep them in place.
LEADING REASONS BEHIND GUM RECESSION
Unfortunately, receding gums are not an uncommon dental problem, especially for men and women past the age of 40. There are many causes of receding gums, which should help your dental practitioner in establishing the best way to treat yours. A few of the most common reasons behind gum erosion are:
- INSUFFICIENT DENTAL HYGIENE
Neglecting to brush and floss every day allows food bits and plaque to build up between your teeth, which can cause gum (periodontal) disease. Gum disease is a very common reason that individuals start to have receding gums. Flossing is particularly critical in removing buildup from your gumline and stimulating blood circulation. - GUM DISEASE
The leading reason behind receding gums is periodontitis, the most advanced phase of gum disease. This inflammation in your soft tissue will likely lead to gum recession if not promptly treated. - GRINDING AND CLENCHING YOUR TEETH
A large number of people clench their jaws and/or grind their teeth if they are tense at work or while sleeping (nocturnal bruxism). The pressure of grinding and clenching can degrade your teeth and oral soft tissue. - BRUSHING TOO MUCH
Though it might strike you as illogical, brushing your teeth too hard can also lead to gum recession. Brushing too often and too hard slowly eats away at the gums. All dentists recommend using a soft-bristled toothbrush when you clean your teeth and massage your gums. - HORMONE CHANGES
The shifting hormones that women have during puberty, while pregnant, and throughout menopause can cause intensified gum inflammation as well as heightened sensitivity. It is quite important to prevent gingivitis during pregnancy, since it has the potential to negatively impact the health of both the expecting mom and the infant. - HEREDITY
Genetics can make you vulnerable to receding gums, which will make it more important to pay attention to your teeth and gums. Find out if any family members have had gum disease and then inform your dentist. - TOBACCO CONSUMPTION
The poisonous chemicals in tobacco products can weaken your gums. In addition, while they don't contain tobacco, the gooey components in vape pens and electronic cigarettes can also be harmful. Get help with tobacco cessation with your primary care physician and then visit your dentist to discuss ways to restore your oral health. - MALOCCLUSION OR IRREGULARLY POSITIONED TEETH
Similar to bruxism, crooked teeth and malocclusion (bite misalignment) can put extra pressure on your teeth, gums, and jawbone. Set up an appointment with your dentist in Pasadena, TX to discuss orthodontic options like Invisalign to safely change your bite into the best position.
OPTIONS FOR MANAGING GUM RECESSION
To establish the best treatment for your receding gums, your dentist will first have to identify the cause. Gum recession caused by periodontal (gum) disease will be treated according to how advanced your condition is. For men and women who have the first stage of gum disease, called gingivitis, dentists usually conduct multiple scaling and root planing (SRP) sessions. A very common procedure, 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 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 could refer you to an oral surgeon. During this procedure, tiny, precise cuts will be created in your gum tissue to reach deeper into your gum pockets and remove the plaque along your tooth roots. Both SRP therapy and gum surgery are usually accompanied by a round of prescription antibiotics to destroy any remaining bacteria. After SRP treatment and periodontal surgery, your dental practitioner will wait a bit for your gums to heal and regenerate on their own. If your gumline is still insufficient, periodontal plastic surgery may be done. Gum grafts usually use tissue from other places in your mouth, for example, the roof of your mouth, to supplement the tissue where required along your gumline. Man-made and donor grafts might also be used for those who don't have adequate tissue to create a proper gumline. After you have recovered from periodontal plastic surgery, it is vital that you follow a good home oral hygiene routine and attend regular visits with your dental practitioner in Pasadena, TX for annual dental examinations and twice-yearly professional cleanings.
IMPROVE THE HEALTH OF YOUR GUMS
Gum tissue is integral to your oral well-being, so you need to be vigilant about your gums to enjoy a beautiful smile. Set up an oral health checkup with a dentist if you are concerned about gum disease or gum recession. At MINT dentistry in Pasadena, our experienced staff of dental professionals offers diagnoses and multiple treatment options for gum recession, including scaling and root planing, periodontal surgery, and gingival grafting. Contact our office in Pasadena, TX to set up exams for your whole family.