Top Reasons Why You Could Develop Receding Gums and Ways To Manage It
THE IMPORTANCE OF YOUR GUMS
While your teeth are an important part of how gorgeous your smile looks, your gums are equally as important. This pink tissue supporting your teeth is the foundation of your smile and performs the necessary purposes of holding your teeth in place and shielding their sensitive roots. This is why gum erosion is more than just an aesthetic problem; it is a significant dental condition. If you want to keep your gums in good health, you need to learn the top precursors to gum recession. Then, you can adapt your lifestyle and oral health practices to prevent gum recession. Also, if you currently have receding gums, there are many options for procedures that can help in restoring your gumline. At MINT dentistry in Cedar Hill, our skilled team of dental professionals provides preventive care as well as the most effective interventions for receding gums, which are chosen depending on the cause of your gum recession. Continue reading to find out more about receding gums, the causes, and frequently used treatment options. Local patients who want to protect their gum health and wish to keep their teeth and gums looking great should schedule an oral health evaluation with a dental practitioner in Cedar Hill, TX.
ALL ABOUT RECEDING GUMS
Gum recession develops when the compromised gumline begins to withdraw from the teeth. An increasing amount of the tooth is visible until, gradually, the roots are also exposed. Gum recession usually does not happen in one day; first, you'll start to develop symptoms like red, swollen, and sore gums that bleed while brushing and/or flossing. Secretions at your gumline and persistent foul-smelling breath (halitosis) are also signs that typically precede receding gums. In the event that you notice any of them, you need to schedule an appointment with your dentist in Cedar Hill, TX right away. If receding gums are left untreated, your teeth could become loose and fall out because the gum tissues aren't strong enough to keep them in place.
LEADING CAUSES OF GUM RECESSION
Sadly, gum recession is a frequently seen dental issue, especially for people past 40 years old. There are numerous causes of gum recession, which will aid your dental practitioner in choosing how to treat yours. Some of the most common reasons behind receding gums are:
- PERIODONTAL DISEASE
The leading reason behind receding gums is periodontitis, the worst phase of gum disease. This infection of your soft tissue can lead to gum recession if not correctly treated. - INCONSISTENT DENTAL HYGIENE
Choosing not to floss and brush every day allows food bits and plaque to build up between your teeth, which can cause gum (periodontal) disease. Periodontal disease is a very common reason that individuals start to experience eroding gums. Flossing is particularly critical in cleaning this accumulation from your gumline and boosting blood circulation. - HORMONE FLUCTUATIONS
The shifting hormones that females go through during puberty, pregnancy, and all the way through menopause can trigger advanced gum swelling and redness and elevated soreness. It is especially important to avoid gingivitis during pregnancy because it could affect the health of both the expecting mom and the child. - TOBACCO PRODUCTS
The unhealthy chemicals in tobacco products can damage your gums. Further, while they don't contain tobacco, the sticky substances in e-cigarettes and vaping liquid can also be harmful. Get help with quitting tobacco with your doctor and then visit your dental practitioner to discuss ways to enhance your oral health. - GENETICS
Family history may predispose you to receding gums, which will make it more important to pay attention to your teeth and gums. Find out if any close relatives have experienced gum disease and then let your dentist know. - BRUSHING YOUR TEETH TOO MUCH
Though it might seem counterintuitive, scrubbing your teeth too aggressively can also be a cause of receding gums. Brushing too often or too harshly gradually wears down the soft tissue. You should be using a brush with soft bristles to brush your teeth and massage your gums. - BRUXISM
Many people clench their jaws and/or grind their teeth if they are concentrating at work or while sleeping (nocturnal bruxism). The pressure of grinding and clenching eats away at your teeth and oral soft tissue. - MALOCCLUSION OR CROOKED TEETH
As with tooth grinding, irregularly positioned teeth and malocclusion (bite misalignment) can impose extra force on your teeth, gums, and jawbone. Plan an appointment with your dental practitioner in Cedar Hill, TX to talk about dental options like Invisalign to gradually adjust your teeth into the best position.
METHODS OF MANAGING GUM RECESSION
To figure out the proper treatment for your receding gums, your dentist will first need to locate the cause. Gum erosion caused by periodontal (gum) disease will be treated in relation to how advanced your condition is. For people who have the early stage of periodontal disease, commonly known as gingivitis, dentists typically conduct several scaling and root planing (SRP) treatments. A noninvasive procedure, SRP therapy removes the buildup from your gum pockets and polishes away pits in the enamel to help avoid future accumulation. If SRP therapy is not sufficient to improve your gum health, or if you are experiencing the next stage of gum disease (periodontitis), your dental practitioner can possibly perform gum surgery, or they might refer you to a gum specialist. During this procedure, tiny, precise cuts will be created in your gums to penetrate deeper into your gum pockets and remove buildup on your tooth roots. SRP therapy and gum surgery are generally followed by a cycle of prescription antibiotics to clear any lingering bacteria. Following SRP therapy or gum surgery, your dentist will allow some time for your gums to get better and regenerate on their own. If your gumline remains insufficient, periodontal plastic surgery could be performed. Gum grafts often use tissue from other places in your mouth, including the roof of your mouth, to add tissue where needed along your gumline. Man-made and donor grafts can also be used for patients who don't have adequate tissue to build a healthy gumline. Once you have recovered from periodontal plastic surgery, it is vital that you practice a consistent home oral hygiene regimen and have regular visits with your dental practitioner in Cedar Hill, TX for yearly dental examinations and twice-yearly professional cleanings.
BRING BACK YOUR GUMLINE
Your gums are vital to your overall oral health, so you have to be careful with your gums in order to achieve a beautiful smile. Set up a comprehensive oral checkup with your dentist if you are concerned about periodontal disease or receding gums. At MINT dentistry in Cedar Hill, our skilled team of dental professionals offers diagnoses and multiple treatment options for gum recession, including scaling and root planing, gum surgery, and gum grafting. Contact our practice in Cedar Hill, TX to set up consultations for your entire family.