Typical Causes Why Patients Could Develop Gum Recession and How To Prevent It
THE IMPORTANCE OF YOUR GUMS
Even though your teeth are an essential part of how sexy your smile looks, your gums are also important. This remarkable tissue in your mouth is the substructure of your smile and performs the necessary purposes of securing your teeth in position and protecting their sensitive roots. Therefore, a receding gumline is more than just an aesthetic problem; it is a significant oral health condition. In order to keep your gums healthy, you must be aware of the typical contributing factors of gum recession. With that knowledge, you can adapt your lifestyle and oral health routine to stave off receding gums. However, if you already have receding gums, there are several options for procedures that can help in maintaining your gumline. At MINT dentistry in Denton, our knowledgeable team of dental professionals offers preventive care and several treatments for gum recession, which will be selected according to the reason behind your gum recession. Continue reading to find out more about gum recession, the causes, and effective treatment methods. Area men and women who want to maintain their gum health and wish to keep their smiles looking attractive are invited to set up an oral health examination with a dentist in Denton, TX.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT GUM RECESSION
Gum recession happens when the compromised gumline begins to shrink away from the teeth. An increasing amount of the enamel is exposed until, gradually, the tooth roots are also uncovered. Gum recession generally won't develop in one day; first, you'll start to have symptoms like red, swollen, and sore gums that bleed for no reason. Secretions at your gumline and chronic bad breath (halitosis) are also symptoms that often develop before receding gums. In the event that you have any of these, we urge you to set up a visit with your dental practitioner in Denton, TX as soon as possible. If gum recession is neglected, your teeth might begin to become loose or fall out because the gum tissues can't hold them secured.
COMMON CAUSES OF GUM RECESSION
Regrettably, gum recession is a common dental issue, particularly for those past the age of 40. There are several causes of gum recession, which can aid your dentist in figuring out the best way to treat yours. Some of the most frequently seen reasons behind gum erosion are:
- INCONSISTENT DENTAL CARE
Neglecting to floss and brush after eating leaves food debris and plaque to build up along your gums, which can lead to periodontal (gum) disease. Gum disease is a leading reason that patients start to have eroding gums. Flossing is particularly crucial to eliminating this accumulation from your gums and encouraging blood circulation. - HORMONAL FLUCTUATIONS
The surges in hormones that women have during puberty, pregnancy, and all the way through menopause can lead to advanced gum inflammation and elevated tenderness. It is very important to protect yourself from gingivitis during pregnancy, since it has the potential to negatively impact the health of both the expecting mom and the infant. - BRUSHING TOO MUCH
Even though it might seem illogical, scrubbing your teeth too roughly can also lead to gum recession. Brushing too often or too harshly eventually wears down the soft tissue. You should be using a brush with soft bristles when you brush your teeth and gums. - PERIODONTAL DISEASE
The most frequent cause of gum recession is periodontitis, the latest phase of periodontal disease. This infection of your soft tissue will likely cause gum recession if not correctly treated. - GENETICS
Genetics can predispose you to gum recession, which means it will be more important to be vigilant about your teeth and gums. Ask if your parents or siblings have experienced periodontitis and then inform your dentist. - SMOKING OR CHEWING TOBACCO
The poisonous toxins in tobacco products can weaken your gums. Further, though they don't have tobacco, the viscous components in e-cigarettes and vaping liquid can also be dangerous. Discuss tobacco cessation with your general practitioner and then make an appointment with your dental practitioner to learn about your options to bring back your oral health. - MISALIGNED BITES OR UNEVEN TEETH
Like with bruxism, uneven teeth and malocclusion (bite misalignment) can impose unnecessary weight on your jaws, teeth, and gums. Set up an appointment with your dentist in Denton, TX to learn about dental options like Invisalign to gradually adjust your teeth into the best position. - CLENCHING OR GRINDING TEETH
A large number of people clench their teeth and jaws if they are stressed at work or while sleeping (nocturnal bruxism). The intensity of grinding and clenching can degrade your teeth and oral soft tissue.
YOUR CHOICES FOR TREATING GUM EROSION
To decide on the ideal treatment for your receding gums, your dentist will first need to diagnose the cause. Gum deterioration caused by gum disease will be treated in relation to how serious your case is. For men and women who have the early stage of periodontal disease, referred to as gingivitis, dentists often recommend multiple scaling and root planing (SRP) sessions. A very common procedure, 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 enough to improve the health of your gums, or if you are experiencing the more advanced stage of gum disease (periodontitis), your dental practitioner might perform periodontal surgery, or he or she might refer you to a gum specialist. During periodontal surgery, tiny, precise cuts will be made in your gums to reach deeper into your gum pockets and remove the plaque along your tooth roots. SRP treatments and periodontal surgery are typically followed by a cycle of prescription antibiotics to destroy any persistent bacteria. Following SRP therapy and gum surgery, your dental practitioner will allow some time for your gums to mend and regenerate. In the event that your gumline remains insufficient, gingival graft surgery could be done. Gingival grafts generally utilize tissue from different places in your mouth, such as the roof of your mouth, to increase tissue where needed along your gumline. Synthetic and donor grafts can also be used for those who don't have sufficient tissue to build a healthy gumline. After you have recovered from periodontal plastic surgery, it is vital that you follow a good home oral hygiene regimen and have regular visits with your dental practitioner in Denton, TX for yearly dental checkups and twice-yearly dental cleanings.
REHABILITATE YOUR GUMLINE
Gum tissue is the foundation of your oral well-being, so you need to be vigilant about your gums in order to enjoy an attractive, vibrant smile. Schedule an oral health analysis with your dentist if you are concerned about gum disease or gum recession. At MINT dentistry in Denton, our skilled team of dental professionals provides diagnoses and many treatment options for gum recession, including scaling and root planing, periodontal surgery, and gum grafting. Call our office in Denton, TX to set up consultations for your whole family.