Top Causes Why Patients Could Have Gum Recession and Ways To Manage It
ALL ABOUT YOUR GUMS
Although your teeth are an essential part of how sexy your smile is, your gums are equally as important. This soft tissue in your mouth is the basis for your smile and serves the important purposes of holding your teeth in place and guarding their vulnerable roots. Therefore, gum erosion is not simply an aesthetic issue; it is a serious dental condition. In order to keep your gums in good health, you must be aware of the typical precursors to gum recession. From there, you can adapt your lifestyle and oral health regimen to stave off gum recession. However, if you currently have receding gums, there are numerous options for treatments that can aid in healing your gumline. At MINT dentistry in Burleson, our skilled staff of dental professionals offers both preventive care as well as many treatments for receding gums, which are selected according to the cause of your gum erosion. Read on to understand more about gum recession, the causes, and frequently used treatment methods. Local patients who are concerned about their gum health and would like to keep their smiles looking sexy should plan an oral health examination with their dental practitioner in Burleson, TX.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT RECEDING GUMS
Gum erosion occurs when the soft gumline begins to shrink away from the teeth. An increasing amount of the enamel becomes exposed until, eventually, the roots are also uncovered. Gum recession generally won't happen rapidly. Often, patients will begin to have symptoms such as inflamed and tender gums that bleed for no reason. Pus at your gumline and chronic bad breath (halitosis) are also signs that are likely to develop before receding gums. When you see any of these, please set up an appointment with your dental practitioner in Burleson, TX as soon as possible. If gum recession is neglected, your teeth may begin to loosen and fall out because the gum tissues can no longer keep them in place.
TOP CAUSES OF GUM RECESSION
Regrettably, gum recession is a common dental problem, particularly for individuals past the age of 40. There are numerous causes of gum recession, which can aid your dental practitioner in determining the best way to treat yours. Several of the most common reasons behind gum erosion are:
- INSUFFICIENT DENTAL HYGIENE
Choosing not to floss and brush after eating allows food debris and plaque to build up along your gums, which can lead to gum (periodontal) disease. Gum disease is a top reason that men and women begin to have eroding gums. Flossing is especially critical in eliminating this accumulation from your gums and helping blood circulation. - BRUXISM
A large number of people clench their teeth and jaws if they are anxious at work or while sleeping (nocturnal bruxism). The intensity of clenching and grinding can cause erosion of your teeth and gums. - HORMONE FLUCTUATIONS
The variations in hormones that women experience during puberty, pregnancy, and with menopause can lead to intensified gum inflammation as well as elevated tenderness. It is quite important to prevent gingivitis during pregnancy because it can negatively impact the health of the pregnant woman and the child. - GENETICS
Your DNA may make you vulnerable to gum recession, which means it will be more necessary to be vigilant about your teeth and gums. Find out whether your parents or siblings have experienced gum disease and then inform your dentist. - MALOCCLUSION OR CROOKED TEETH
Like with tooth grinding, crooked teeth and a misaligned bite (dental malocclusion) can put extra force on your teeth, gums, and jawbone. Schedule a visit with your dental practitioner in Burleson, TX to discuss dental treatments like Invisalign to gradually adjust your bite into the best position. - BRUSHING YOUR TEETH TOO MUCH
Even though it may sound strange, scrubbing your teeth too roughly can also lead to receding gums. Brushing too often or too aggressively gradually eats away at the soft tissue. It's important to be using a brush with soft bristles to brush your teeth and massage your gums. - SMOKING OR CHEWING TOBACCO
The poisonous chemicals in any tobacco products can hurt your gums. Also, though they don't have tobacco, the viscous formulas in vape pens and electronic cigarettes can also be harmful. Talk about quitting tobacco with your primary care physician and then visit your dental practitioner to learn about ways to bring back your oral health. - PERIODONTAL DISEASE
The top reason behind gum recession is periodontitis, the latest phase of gum disease. This inflammation in your soft tissue might cause gum recession if not promptly treated.
OPTIONS FOR TREATING GUM RECESSION
To choose the correct treatment for your gum recession, your dental practitioner will first have to locate the cause. Receding gums caused by periodontal (gum) disease will be treated according to how serious your condition is. For men and women who have the initial stage of periodontal disease, commonly known as gingivitis, dentists often conduct several scaling and root planing (SRP) treatments. A very common deep-cleaning method, SRP therapy removes the buildup from your gum pockets and polishes away pits in the enamel to prevent future buildup. If SRP therapy is not sufficient to restore the health of your gums, or if you are experiencing the second stage of gum disease referred to as periodontitis, your dentist might perform gum surgery, or he or she could refer you to a periodontist. During periodontal surgery, incisions will be created in your gums to reach farther into your gum pockets and remove the plaque along your tooth roots. SRP treatments and gum surgery are usually followed by a cycle of antibiotics to clear any leftover bacteria. After SRP therapy or periodontal surgery, your dentist will allow some time for your gums to get better and regenerate on their own. In the event that your gumline is still too recessed, periodontal plastic surgery could be done. Gum grafts typically utilize tissue from different areas of your mouth, such as your roof palate, to increase coverage where needed on your gumline. Synthetic and donor grafts may also be used for individuals who don't have enough tissue to create a proper gumline. After you have healed from gingival grafting, it is vital that you follow a consistent home oral hygiene regimen and have regular appointments with your dental practitioner in Burleson, TX for annual dental checkups and twice-yearly dental cleanings.
REHABILITATE YOUR GUMLINE
Your gums are central to your overall dental health, so you need to maintain your gums to achieve a brilliant, healthy smile. Schedule a comprehensive oral checkup with your dentist if you have questions about periodontal disease or receding gums. At MINT dentistry in Burleson, our skilled staff of dental professionals provides diagnoses and many treatment options for gum recession, including scaling and root planing, gum surgery, and gum grafting. Call or come by our office in Burleson, TX to schedule exams for your entire family.