Top Reasons Why People Could Have Receding Gums and How To Manage It
ALL ABOUT YOUR GUMS
Even though your teeth are an essential part of how brilliant your smile looks, your gums are also important. This remarkable tissue supporting your teeth is the foundation of your smile and serves the critical functions of holding your teeth in place and guarding their vulnerable roots. Therefore, gum recession is more than just a cosmetic issue; it is a serious dental condition. To keep your gums healthy, you have to be aware of the common contributing factors of gum recession. Then, you can adjust your habits and oral health regimen to prevent receding gums. However, if you currently suffer from receding gums, you have multiple options for procedures that can help in the restoration of your gumline. At MINT dentistry in Woodlands, our knowledgeable team of dental professionals offers preventive care and a full range of treatments for receding gums, each of which is chosen depending on the cause of your gum erosion. Read on to discover more about gum recession, the causes, and effective treatment methods. Area men and women who want to ensure the health of their gums and would like to keep their teeth and gums looking attractive are invited to schedule an oral health evaluation with a dental practitioner in Shenandoah, TX.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT GUM RECESSION
Gum erosion develops when the compromised gum tissue begins to shrink away from the teeth. More and more of the enamel becomes visible until, gradually, the sensitive tooth roots are also bare. Gum recession typically does not happen abruptly; first, you'll start to develop symptoms such as inflamed and sore gums that bleed for no reason. Secretions at your gumline and chronic bad breath (halitosis) are also symptoms that are likely to precede receding gums. If you see any of these, please schedule a visit with your dentist in Shenandoah, TX as soon as possible. If gum recession is left untreated, your teeth may begin to become loose and fall out, since the gums aren't strong enough to hold them in position.
TOP REASONS BEHIND RECEDING GUMS
Sadly, receding gums are not an uncommon dental issue, especially for men and women past the age of 40. There are numerous causes of gum recession, which can aid your dental practitioner in deciding the best way to manage yours. Some of the most frequently seen causes of gum recession are:
- HORMONAL CHANGES
The variations in hormones that women experience during adolescence, while pregnant, and all the way through menopause can lead to worsening gum inflammation and heightened sensitivity. It is quite important to protect yourself from periodontal disease during pregnancy because it has the potential to affect the health of the mother and the baby. - HEREDITY
Your genes might make you vulnerable to receding gums, which means it will be more important to pay attention to your oral health. Find out if any close relatives have had periodontal disease and then tell your dental practitioner. - BRUSHING YOUR TEETH TOO OFTEN
While it may sound counterintuitive, scrubbing your teeth too roughly can also lead to gum recession. Brushing too much and too hard gradually eats away at the gums. All dentists recommend using a brush with soft bristles to brush your teeth and gums. - GUM DISEASE
The top reason behind receding gums is periodontitis, the latest phase of gum disease. This infection in your soft tissue will probably lead to gum recession if not properly treated. - MISALIGNED BITES AND UNEVEN TEETH
As with tooth grinding, uneven teeth and a misaligned bite (dental malocclusion) can impose unnecessary weight on your jaws, teeth, and gums. Arrange an appointment with your dentist in Shenandoah, TX to talk about orthodontic options like Invisalign to safely move your bite into the proper alignment. - SMOKING OR CHEWING TOBACCO
The unhealthy toxins in any tobacco products can damage your gums. Also, while they don't include tobacco, the sticky substances in vape pens and electronic cigarettes are also dangerous. Discuss quitting tobacco with your primary care physician and then visit your dentist to discuss your options to restore your oral health. - POOR DENTAL HYGIENE
Choosing not to floss and brush every day allows food detritus and plaque to build up between your teeth, which can cause periodontal (gum) disease. Periodontal disease is a very common reason that individuals begin to have gum recession. Flossing is particularly crucial to cleaning this accumulation from your gums and boosting blood circulation. - BRUXISM
Numerous people grind their teeth and clench their jaws if they are worried at work or as they sleep (nocturnal bruxism). The force of clenching and grinding can degrade your teeth and oral soft tissue.
METHODS OF TREATING RECEDING GUMS
To choose the ideal treatment for your gum recession, your dentist will first have to identify the cause. Gum recession caused by gum disease will be treated according to how serious your case is. For individuals who present with the first stage of periodontal disease, referred to as gingivitis, dentists typically recommend multiple scaling and root planing (SRP) sessions. A noninvasive deep-cleaning method, SRP therapy eliminates the accumulated plaque from your gum pockets and polishes away pits in the enamel to protect against future accumulation. If SRP therapy is not enough to restore your gum health, or if you have the second stage of gum disease (periodontitis), your dental practitioner might perform gum surgery, or he or she may refer you to an oral surgeon. During periodontal surgery, incisions will be made in your gum tissue to penetrate farther into your gum pockets and remove buildup on your tooth roots. SRP therapy and gum surgery are often accompanied by a cycle of prescription antibiotics to kill any remaining bacteria. After SRP therapy or periodontal surgery, your dentist will allow some time for your gums to heal and regenerate on their own. In the event that your gumline is still too recessed, periodontal plastic surgery can be done. Periodontal plastic surgeries generally utilize tissue from other areas of your mouth, such as the roof of your mouth, to add coverage where needed along your gumline. Man-made and donor grafts could also be used for individuals who don't have sufficient tissue to create a healthy gumline. After you have healed from gum grafting, it is important to practice a consistent home oral hygiene regimen and have regular visits with your dental practitioner in Shenandoah, TX for yearly dental checkups and twice-yearly dental cleanings.
IMPROVE THE HEALTH OF YOUR GUMS
Your gums are vital to your overall oral health, so you have to be careful with your gums to maintain a healthy, sexy smile. Set up an oral health exam with a dentist if you are concerned about gum disease or receding gums. At MINT dentistry in Woodlands, our knowledgeable staff of dental professionals provides diagnoses and effective treatment options for receding gums, including scaling and root planing, gum surgery, and gum grafting. Call our office in Shenandoah, TX to set up exams for your family.