Top Reasons Why People Might Develop Receding Gums and Ways To Prevent It
THE IMPORTANCE OF YOUR GUMS
While your teeth are a huge factor in how attractive your smile is, your gums are equally as important. This amazing tissue in your mouth is the basis for your smile and performs the crucial purposes of holding your teeth in position and shielding their sensitive roots. This is why gum recession is more pressing than a cosmetic concern; it is a significant oral health condition. If you want to keep your gums healthy, you need to know the typical causes of gum recession. With that knowledge, you can adjust your habits and oral health routine to defend against receding gums. Also, if you currently suffer from receding gums, you have many options for treatments that can aid in restoring your gumline. At MINT dentistry in Carrollton, our experienced staff of dental professionals performs preventive care as well as several interventions for receding gums, which are selected based on the cause of your gum erosion. Continue reading to find out more about receding gums, the causes, and common treatment methods. Local individuals who want to maintain their gum health and would like to keep their smiles looking attractive are invited to set up an oral health examination with their dental practitioner in Dallas, TX.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT GUM RECESSION
A receding gumline develops when the soft gumline begins to slowly disappear along the teeth. More and more of the tooth is exposed until, gradually, the sensitive roots are also uncovered. Gum recession typically does not develop overnight; first, patients will start to develop symptoms like red, swollen, and sore gums that bleed for no reason. Secretions at your gumline and persistent bad breath (halitosis) are also symptoms that usually precede receding gums. In the event that you see any of these, you need to schedule a visit with your dentist in Dallas, TX right away. If gum recession is neglected, your teeth are likely to start to become loose and fall out, since the gum tissues aren't strong enough to hold them in place.
LEADING REASONS BEHIND RECEDING GUMS
Regrettably, receding gums are not an unusual dental problem, especially for those past the age of 40. There are a lot of different causes of gum recession, which will assist your dentist in figuring out the best way to treat yours. A few of the most frequently seen reasons behind receding gums are:
- GRINDING AND CLENCHING YOUR TEETH
Numerous people clench their jaws and/or grind their teeth when they are tense during the day or as they sleep (nocturnal bruxism). The pressure of clenching and grinding can degrade your teeth and oral soft tissue. - INCONSISTENT DENTAL CARE
Choosing not to brush and floss every day allows food debris and plaque to accumulate along your gums, which can lead to periodontal (gum) disease. Periodontal disease is a very common reason that men and women start to have eroding gums. Flossing is particularly critical in eliminating buildup from your gums and boosting blood circulation. - GENETICS
Your genes could predispose you to gum recession, which will make it more important to take extra care of your teeth and gums. Ask whether any family members have suffered from periodontal disease and then inform your dentist. - BRUSHING TOO OFTEN
Though it may seem odd, scrubbing your teeth too often can also lead to gum recession. Brushing too much and too aggressively eventually wears down the gums. You should be using a brush with soft bristles to clean your teeth and massage your gums. - TOBACCO CONSUMPTION
The unhealthy toxins in any tobacco products can weaken your gums. Also, though they don't contain tobacco, the viscous ingredients in vape pens and electronic cigarettes can also be harmful. Get help with tobacco cessation with your primary care physician and then make an appointment with your dental practitioner to go over ways to enhance your oral health. - GUM DISEASE
The leading reason behind gum recession is periodontitis, the latest stage of periodontal disease. This inflammation in your gum tissue might cause gum recession if not correctly treated. - HORMONE FLUCTUATIONS
The fluctuating hormones that women experience during adolescence, pregnancy, and with menopause can lead to advanced gum inflammation and heightened soreness. It is especially important to avoid gingivitis during pregnancy, since it could affect the health of the mother and the infant. - MISALIGNED BITES OR CROOKED TEETH
Like with tooth grinding, crooked teeth and malocclusion (bite misalignment) can put unnecessary weight on your teeth, gums, and jawbone. Schedule an appointment with your dentist in Dallas, TX to learn about options like Invisalign to gradually change your bite into the correct alignment.
OPTIONS FOR TREATING GUM EROSION
To determine the most appropriate treatment for your gum recession, your dentist will need to locate the cause. Gum erosion caused by gum disease will be treated based on how advanced your condition is. For men and women who have the initial stage of periodontal disease, called gingivitis, dentists typically recommend several scaling and root planing (SRP) treatments. A nonsurgical deep-cleaning method, SRP therapy removes the accumulated plaque inside your gum pockets and smoothes the enamel to prevent future accumulation. If SRP deep cleaning is not sufficient to restore your oral health, or if you are experiencing the next stage of gum disease (periodontitis), your dental practitioner can possibly perform periodontal surgery, or he or she could refer you to a periodontist. During periodontal surgery, incisions will be made in your gum tissue to penetrate deeper into your gum pockets and remove the plaque along your tooth roots. Both SRP therapy and gum surgery are typically accompanied by a round of antibiotics to kill any lingering bacteria. Following SRP therapy or periodontal surgery, your dental practitioner will wait a bit for your gums to get better and regrow. In the event that your gumline is still too high, periodontal plastic surgery can be performed. Gingival grafts frequently use tissue from other places in your mouth, such as your roof palate, to add coverage where needed along your gumline. Man-made and donor grafts may also be used for patients who don't have enough tissue to create a robust gumline. Once you have healed from gingival grafting, it is important to practice a careful home oral hygiene regimen and attend regular appointments with your dental practitioner in Dallas, TX for annual dental checkups and biannual professional cleanings.
IMPROVE THE HEALTH OF YOUR GUMS
Gum tissue is central to your overall dental well-being, so you need to maintain your gums to attain an attractive, vibrant smile. Set up a tooth and gum assessment with a dentist if you are concerned about periodontal disease or gum recession. At MINT dentistry in Carrollton, our knowledgeable staff of dental professionals provides diagnoses and effective treatment options for receding gums, including SRP therapy, gum surgery, and gum grafting. Call our office in Dallas, TX to set up appointments for your family.