Common Causes Why You Could Have Receding Gums and Ways To Prevent It
ALL ABOUT YOUR GUMS
While your teeth are fundamental to how gorgeous your smile looks, your gums are also important. This remarkable tissue supporting your teeth is the substructure of your smile and serves the critical purposes of holding your teeth in place and shielding their sensitive roots. This is why a receding gumline is not simply a cosmetic problem; it is a significant dental condition. In order to keep your gums healthy, you must be aware of the top contributing factors of gum recession. Then, you can adjust your habits and oral health practices to avoid receding gums. Plus, if you currently have receding gums, there are several options for treatments that can assist in maintaining your gumline. At MINT dentistry in Grand Prairie, our skilled team of dental professionals performs both preventive care as well as a full range of treatments for receding gums, which will be chosen based on the cause of your gum recession. Read on to discover more about gum recession, the causes, and common treatment methods. Area individuals who want to protect their gum health and would like to keep their teeth and gums looking attractive can set up an oral health evaluation with a dental practitioner in Grand Prairie, TX.
ALL ABOUT RECEDING GUMS
A receding gumline develops when the compromised gum tissue starts to slowly disappear along the teeth. An increasing amount of the enamel becomes visible until, over time, the roots are also exposed. Gum recession generally does not occur rapidly. Often, patients will begin to develop symptoms such as inflamed and sore gums that bleed for no reason. Secretions along your gumline and persistent bad breath (halitosis) are also symptoms that can develop before gum recession. When you see any of them, it's important that you set up a consultation with your dental practitioner in Grand Prairie, TX as soon as possible. If gum recession is left untreated, your teeth are likely to loosen or fall out because the gums aren't strong enough to hold them in position.
LEADING REASONS BEHIND GUM RECESSION
Regrettably, gum recession is not a rare dental issue, particularly for people over 40 years old. There are numerous causes of receding gums, which will assist your dental practitioner in figuring out the best way to manage yours. Several of the most frequently seen causes of receding gums are:
- CIGARETTES, CIGARS, AND VAPING
The unhealthy chemicals in tobacco products can damage your gums. Also, though they don't have tobacco, the gooey components in e-cigarettes and vaping liquid are also dangerous. Get help with quitting tobacco with your primary care physician and then see your dental practitioner to go over your options to bring back your oral health. - GUM DISEASE
The most frequent reason behind receding gums is periodontitis, the most advanced phase of gum disease. This disease of your soft tissue will probably lead to gum recession if not properly treated. - HEREDITY
Your genes may make you vulnerable to receding gums, which means it will be more critical to be vigilant about your oral health. Find out whether any family members have developed gum disease and then let your dentist know. - MALOCCLUSION OR CROOKED TEETH
Like with bruxism, crooked teeth and malocclusion (bite misalignment) can inflict extra force on your teeth, gums, and jawbone. Plan an appointment with your dental practitioner in Grand Prairie, TX to discuss orthodontic options like Invisalign to gently change your teeth into the proper position. - BRUSHING YOUR TEETH TOO AGGRESSIVELY
Even though it might seem counterintuitive, scrubbing your teeth too aggressively can also be a cause of receding gums. Brushing too often or too aggressively gradually wears down the gums. You should be using a soft-bristled toothbrush when you clean your teeth and massage your gums. - HORMONAL CHANGES
The fluctuating hormones that females go through during puberty, while pregnant, and throughout menopause can lead to worsening gum inflammation as well as heightened sensitivity. It is very important to avoid gingivitis during pregnancy, since it could affect the health of the pregnant woman and the child. - INSUFFICIENT DENTAL CARE
Choosing not to brush and floss daily leaves food detritus and plaque to accumulate along your gums, which can promote periodontal (gum) disease. Gum disease is a top reason that people start to experience gum recession. Flossing is especially critical in cleaning buildup from your gumline and encouraging blood circulation. - GRINDING AND CLENCHING YOUR TEETH
Many people clench their teeth and jaws when they are concentrating during the day or as they sleep (nocturnal bruxism). The intensity of clenching and grinding erodes your teeth and oral soft tissue.
YOUR CHOICES FOR TREATING GUM RECESSION
To choose the most appropriate treatment for your gum recession, your dentist will have to locate the cause. Gum erosion caused by gum disease will be treated in relation to how serious your condition is. For patients who present with the first stage of periodontal disease, commonly known as gingivitis, dentists often do multiple scaling and root planing (SRP) treatments. A nonsurgical deep-cleaning method, SRP therapy scrapes away the buildup from your gum pockets and evens out the enamel to protect against future buildup. If SRP deep cleaning is not able to restore the health of your gums, or if you have the next stage of gum disease referred to as periodontitis, your dental practitioner may perform gum surgery, or they may refer you to a gum specialist. During gum surgery, tiny, precise cuts will be created in your gums to penetrate deeper into your gum pockets and remove the plaque along your tooth roots. SRP therapy and gum surgery are often accompanied by a round of antibiotics to destroy any persistent bacteria. Following SRP treatment and periodontal surgery, your dental practitioner will wait a bit for your gums to heal and regrow on their own. In cases where your gumline remains too recessed, periodontal plastic surgery could be done. Gum grafts frequently utilize tissue from other areas of your mouth, for example, your roof palate, to add coverage where required 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 gum grafting, it is important to follow a good home oral hygiene regimen and schedule regular visits with your dentist in Grand Prairie, TX for annual dental checkups and twice-yearly dental cleanings.
REHABILITATE YOUR GUMS
Your gums are the basis for your dental well-being, so you need to be vigilant about your gums in order to enjoy a brilliant, healthy smile. Set up an oral health evaluation with your dentist if you are concerned about gum disease or gum recession. At MINT dentistry in Grand Prairie, our knowledgeable staff of dental professionals offers diagnoses and effective treatment options for gum recession, including SRP therapy, gum surgery, and gingival grafting. Call or come by our facility in Grand Prairie, TX to schedule appointments for your family.