Frequent Reasons Why You Might Have Receding Gums and Ways To Prevent It
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT YOUR GUMS
While your teeth are a huge factor in how brilliant your smile is, your gums are just as important. This soft tissue surrounding your teeth is the substructure of your smile and performs the necessary purposes of holding your teeth in position and guarding their sensitive roots. Therefore, gum erosion is not simply a cosmetic problem. It is a serious oral health condition. In order to keep your gums healthy, you have to learn the common contributing factors of gum recession. From there, you can adapt your lifestyle and oral health routine to prevent gum recession. In addition, if you already have receding gums, there are multiple options for treatments that can help in maintaining your gumline. At MINT dentistry in Lancaster, our skilled team of dental professionals offers preventive care and multiple treatments for receding gums, each of which is selected based on the cause of your gum erosion. Continue reading to find out more about gum recession, the causes, and frequently used treatment options. Area patients who want to protect the health of their gums and wish to keep their teeth and gums looking amazing are invited to plan an oral health assessment with a dentist in Dallas, TX.
THE DANGERS OF RECEDING GUMS
Gum recession occurs when the compromised gum tissue starts to slowly disappear along the teeth. An increasing amount of the tooth is visible until, over time, the roots are also exposed. Gum recession typically does not occur quickly. Often, you'll begin to have symptoms like inflamed and sore gums that bleed while brushing and/or flossing. Secretions at your gumline and consistent foul-smelling breath (halitosis) are also indicators that are likely to develop before receding gums. If you have any of them, you need to set up a consultation with your dental practitioner in Dallas, TX right away. If receding gums are ignored, your teeth might loosen and fall out, since the gums aren't healthy enough to hold them secured.
TOP REASONS BEHIND RECEDING GUMS
Unfortunately, receding gums are not an unusual dental issue, particularly for patients past 40 years old. There are many causes of receding gums, which should aid your dental practitioner in figuring out the best way to treat yours. A few of the most common reasons behind gum recession are:
- BRUSHING TOO MUCH
Though it may sound illogical, brushing your teeth too much can also lead to receding gums. Brushing too often and too harshly slowly eats away at the soft tissue. All dentists recommend using a brush with soft bristles when you brush your teeth and gums. - USING TOBACCO
The dangerous toxins in tobacco products can weaken your gums. In addition, though they don't have tobacco, the gooey substances in e-cigarettes and vaping liquid can also be dangerous. Talk about quitting tobacco with your primary care physician and then make an appointment with your dental practitioner to go over ways to restore your oral health. - GRINDING AND CLENCHING YOUR TEETH
Numerous people grind their teeth and clench their jaws if they are stressed at work or while sleeping (nocturnal bruxism). The pressure of clenching and grinding erodes your teeth and gums. - INSUFFICIENT DENTAL CARE
Failing to brush and floss daily leaves food particles and plaque to build up between your teeth, which can promote gum (periodontal) disease. Periodontal disease is a top reason that men and women begin to develop eroding gums. Flossing is particularly important in removing buildup from your gums and boosting blood circulation. - HORMONE FLUCTUATIONS
The shifting hormones that women have during adolescence, pregnancy, and with menopause can trigger advanced gum inflammation and heightened discomfort. It is very important to avoid gingivitis during pregnancy because it may affect the health of both the mother and the baby. - MISALIGNED BITES AND IRREGULARLY POSITIONED TEETH
Like with bruxism, crooked teeth and a misaligned bite (dental malocclusion) can place unnecessary pressure on your teeth, gums, and jawbone. Schedule an appointment with your dentist in Dallas, TX to discuss options like Invisalign to gently move your teeth into the proper position. - GUM DISEASE
The most frequent reason behind receding gums is periodontitis, the most advanced stage of gum disease. This inflammation in your gum tissue might lead to gum recession if not correctly treated. - GENETICS
Genetics could predispose you to receding gums, which means it will be more important to be vigilant about your teeth and gums. Find out if any family members have dealt with periodontitis and then let your dentist know.
YOUR CHOICES FOR MANAGING GUM EROSION
To figure out the most appropriate treatment for your receding gums, your dentist will have to identify the cause. Receding gums caused by periodontal (gum) disease will be treated according to how serious your case is. For men and women who have the first stage of periodontal disease, referred to as gingivitis, dentists usually conduct several scaling and root planing (SRP) treatments. A noninvasive deep-cleaning method, SRP therapy scrapes away the accumulated plaque inside your gum pockets and smoothes the enamel to help avoid future buildup. If SRP deep cleaning is not enough to restore the health of your gums, or if you are experiencing the second stage of gum disease referred to as periodontitis, your dentist can possibly perform periodontal surgery, or they may refer you to a periodontist. During this procedure, incisions will be created in your gum tissue to penetrate farther into your gum pockets and remove the plaque on your tooth roots. SRP therapy and periodontal surgery are typically accompanied by a cycle of prescription antibiotics to clear any lingering bacteria. After SRP therapy or periodontal surgery, your dental practitioner will allow some time for your gums to get better and regrow on their own. If your gumline is still insufficient, gingival graft surgery may be performed. Gum grafts generally take tissue from different places in your mouth, for example, your roof palate, to supplement the coverage where necessary along your gumline. Man-made and donor grafts can also be used for individuals who don't have sufficient tissue to create a proper gumline. After you have recovered from gingival grafting, it is vital that you follow a good home oral hygiene regimen and schedule regular visits with your dental practitioner in Dallas, TX for annual dental checkups and biannual professional cleanings.
RESTORE YOUR GUMS
Gum tissue is the foundation of your dental well-being, so it's necessary to maintain your gums to have an attractive, vibrant smile. Schedule an oral health evaluation with your dentist if you are concerned about periodontal disease or receding gums. At MINT dentistry in Lancaster, our knowledgeable staff of dental professionals offers diagnoses and many treatment options for receding gums, including SRP therapy, periodontal surgery, and gum grafting. Call our practice in Dallas, TX to schedule exams for your family.