Frequent Reasons People Could Develop Receding Gums and Ways To Treat It
THE IMPORTANCE OF YOUR GUMS
Although your teeth are integral to how healthy your smile is, your gums are equally as important. This delicate tissue in your mouth is the basis for your smile and serves the important functions of securing your teeth in position and guarding their sensitive roots. Therefore, gum erosion is not simply an aesthetic concern; it is a worrisome dental condition. In order to keep your gums in good health, you need to know the most frequent precursors to gum recession. Then, you can change your lifestyle and oral health routine to stave off receding gums. However, if you already have receding gums, you have numerous options for treatments that can help in the restoration of your gumline. At MINT dentistry in Conroe, our knowledgeable team of dental professionals offers both preventive care as well as several treatments for receding gums, which are selected according to the cause of your gum erosion. Continue reading to understand more about gum recession, the causes, and common treatment methods. Local individuals who are concerned about the health of their gums and would like to keep their teeth and gums looking great are invited to schedule an oral health assessment with their dentist in Conroe, TX.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT GUM RECESSION
A receding gumline happens when the soft gum line begins to withdraw from the teeth. More and more of the enamel is visible until, over time, the sensitive roots are also bare. Gum recession typically won't develop in one day; first, you'll start to notice symptoms like inflamed and painful gums that bleed while brushing and/or flossing. Discharge along your gumline and consistent bad breath (halitosis) are also symptoms that can develop before gum recession. In the event that you see any of them, it's important that you schedule a consultation with your dentist in Conroe, TX as soon as possible. If receding gums are left untreated, your teeth can start to loosen and fall out, since the gums aren't strong enough to hold them secured.
COMMON REASONS BEHIND RECEDING GUMS
Sadly, gum recession is a common dental issue, especially for people past 40 years old. There are several causes of gum recession, which can assist your dental practitioner in determining the best way to manage yours. Some of the most frequently seen reasons behind gum recession are:
- HEREDITY
Your genes may make you vulnerable to gum recession, which means it will be more necessary to be vigilant about your teeth and gums. Find out if any family members have had periodontal disease and then let your dentist know. - TOBACCO PRODUCTS
The dangerous toxins in all tobacco products can weaken your gums. Also, though they don't include tobacco, the sticky elements in vape pens and electronic cigarettes can also be harmful. Get help with quitting tobacco with your doctor and then visit your dental practitioner to go over ways to enhance your oral health. - INCONSISTENT DENTAL CARE
Failing to floss and brush every day leaves food remnants and plaque to accumulate between your teeth, which can promote gum (periodontal) disease. Periodontal disease is a very common reason that individuals begin to develop gum recession. Flossing is particularly crucial to eliminating buildup from your gums and promoting blood circulation. - PERIODONTAL DISEASE
The leading cause of receding gums is periodontitis, the worst phase of periodontal disease. This disease of your soft tissue can lead to gum recession if not properly treated. - HORMONAL FLUCTUATIONS
The shifting hormones that females go through during puberty, while pregnant, and throughout menopause can lead to worsening gum swelling and redness and elevated soreness. It is especially important to protect yourself from pregnancy periodontal disease because it has the potential to negatively impact the health of both the mother and the infant. - BRUSHING TOO HARD
Even though it may strike you as odd, brushing your teeth too often can also lead to gum recession. Brushing too often and too hard slowly eats away at the gums. You should be using a brush with soft bristles when you brush your teeth and massage your gums. - MALOCCLUSION AND IRREGULARLY POSITIONED TEETH
As with bruxism, crooked teeth and malocclusion (bite misalignment) can inflict unnecessary force on your jaws, teeth, and gums. Set up an appointment with your dental practitioner in Conroe, TX to discuss options like Invisalign to safely change your bite into the proper position. - CLENCHING OR GRINDING TEETH
Numerous people clench their jaws and/or grind their teeth when they are worried at work or as they sleep (nocturnal bruxism). The intensity of clenching and grinding wears down your teeth and oral soft tissue.
METHODS OF TREATING GUM RECESSION
To figure out the correct treatment for your receding gums, your dentist will first have to diagnose the cause. Gum erosion caused by gum disease will be treated according to how serious your condition is. For individuals who have the initial stage of gum disease, called gingivitis, dentists often do multiple scaling and root planing (SRP) treatments. A very common procedure, SRP therapy scrapes away the accumulated plaque inside your gum pockets and smoothes the enamel to prevent future buildup. If SRP deep cleaning is not able to restore your oral health, or if you have the second 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 periodontal surgery, incisions will be created in your gums to enter farther into your gum pockets and remove buildup along your tooth roots. SRP therapy and periodontal surgery are usually accompanied by a cycle of antibiotics to destroy any surviving bacteria. Following SRP therapy and gum surgery, your dental practitioner will allow some time for your gums to heal and regenerate on their own. If your gumline is still too high, periodontal plastic surgery could be performed. Gingival grafts typically take tissue from different areas of your mouth, including the roof of your mouth, to supplement the coverage where required on your gumline. Synthetic and donor grafts may also be used for those who don't have sufficient tissue to build a healthy gumline. Once you have recovered from periodontal plastic surgery, it is vital that you practice a good home oral hygiene routine and attend regular visits with your dental practitioner in Conroe, TX for annual dental examinations and twice-yearly professional cleanings.
RESTORE YOUR GUMLINE
Gum tissue is the foundation of your dental well-being, so you have to be vigilant about your gums in order to achieve a brilliant, healthy smile. Schedule a tooth and gum evaluation with your dentist if you have questions about periodontal disease or receding gums. At MINT dentistry in Conroe, our knowledgeable team of dental professionals provides diagnoses and effective treatment options for receding gums, including scaling and root planing, gum surgery, and gingival grafting. Call or come by our practice in Conroe, TX to schedule appointments for your family.