Typical Reasons Why You Might Develop Gum Recession and Ways To Prevent It
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT YOUR GUMS
Even though your teeth are an important part of how gorgeous your smile is, your gums are equally as important. This amazing tissue in your mouth is the substructure of your smile and performs the vital purposes of keeping your teeth in place and protecting their sensitive roots. Therefore, gum recession is more than just a cosmetic problem; it is a serious dental condition. If you want to keep your gums in good health, you must learn the leading contributing factors of gum recession. From there, you can adjust your lifestyle and oral health practices to protect yourself from gum recession. Further, if you already have receding gums, there are many options for procedures that can assist in the restoration of your gumline. At MINT dentistry in South Arlington, our experienced staff of dental professionals provides preventive care and multiple interventions for receding gums, which will be selected depending on the cause of your gum recession. Read on to discover more about gum recession, the causes, and frequently used treatment options. Area men and women who want to ensure the health of their gums and would like to keep their teeth and gums looking sexy are invited to plan an oral health evaluation with their dentist in Arlington, TX.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT GUM RECESSION
Gum erosion occurs when the delicate gum tissue begins to slowly disappear along the teeth. More and more of the enamel is exposed until, over time, the sensitive roots are also exposed. Gum recession usually won't occur rapidly. Often, you'll begin to notice symptoms like red, swollen, and tender gums that bleed easily. Secretions along your gumline and persistent bad breath (halitosis) are also indicators that usually precede receding gums. If you see any of these, please schedule a consultation with your dentist in Arlington, TX as soon as possible. If receding gums are neglected, your teeth can begin to loosen and fall out, since the gums aren't healthy enough to hold them in place.
LEADING CAUSES OF RECEDING GUMS
Regrettably, receding gums are not an uncommon dental issue, especially for individuals over 40 years old. There are many causes of gum recession, which should aid your dentist in establishing the best way to treat yours. Several of the most frequently seen causes of gum erosion are:
- TOBACCO PRODUCTS
The poisonous toxins in any tobacco products can weaken your gums. Also, while they don't contain tobacco, the gooey substances in vape pens and electronic cigarettes are also dangerous. Talk about tobacco cessation with your primary care physician and then make an appointment with your dentist to discuss your options to bring back your oral health. - CLENCHING OR GRINDING TEETH
Many people clench their teeth and jaws when they are stressed during the day or as they sleep (nocturnal bruxism). The force of clenching and grinding can degrade your teeth and oral soft tissue. - PERIODONTAL DISEASE
The top cause of gum recession is periodontitis, the latest stage of periodontal disease. This inflammation of your gum tissue might lead to gum recession if not promptly treated. - MALOCCLUSION AND UNEVEN TEETH
Similar to tooth grinding, uneven teeth and malocclusion (bite misalignment) can place unnecessary weight on your jaws, teeth, and gums. Schedule an appointment with your dental practitioner in Arlington, TX to discuss orthodontic treatments like Invisalign to gently move your teeth into the proper alignment. - POOR DENTAL HYGIENE
Failing to floss and brush daily allows food bits and plaque to build up along your gums, which can cause periodontal (gum) disease. Periodontal disease is a top reason that men and women start to develop gum recession. Flossing is particularly important in removing buildup from your gumline and stimulating blood circulation. - HORMONAL CHANGES
The fluctuating hormones that women have during puberty, while pregnant, and with menopause can cause intensified gum inflammation and increased soreness. It is very important to protect yourself from gingivitis during pregnancy, since it has the potential to negatively impact the health of both the pregnant woman and the baby. - HEREDITY
Your genes may make you vulnerable to receding gums, which will make it more necessary to be vigilant about your oral health. Ask if your parents or siblings have dealt with periodontitis and then inform your dentist. - BRUSHING TOO AGGRESSIVELY
Though it might sound odd, brushing your teeth too often can also be a cause of gum recession. Brushing too often and too aggressively gradually wears down the soft tissue. It's important to be using a soft-bristled toothbrush when you brush your teeth and massage your gums.
METHODS OF MANAGING GUM RECESSION
To choose the proper treatment for your gum recession, your dentist will first need to identify the cause. Receding gums caused by gum disease will be treated in relation to how advanced your condition is. For those who have the initial stage of periodontal disease, called gingivitis, dentists usually recommend several scaling and root planing (SRP) sessions. A very common procedure, SRP therapy eliminates the buildup inside your gum pockets and smoothes the enamel to prevent future buildup. If SRP therapy is not sufficient to restore your gum health, or if you have the next stage of gum disease referred to as periodontitis, your dentist might perform periodontal surgery, or he or she could refer you to a gum specialist. During gum surgery, tiny, precise cuts will be made in your gum tissue to reach farther into your gum pockets and remove the plaque along your tooth roots. SRP treatments and gum surgery are often followed by a cycle of antibiotics to destroy any surviving bacteria. Following SRP treatment and periodontal surgery, your dental practitioner will wait a bit for your gums to get better and regrow on their own. If your gumline remains insufficient, gum graft surgery could be performed. Gingival grafts typically use tissue from different areas of your mouth, including your roof palate, to supplement the coverage where required along your gumline. Man-made and donor grafts could also be used for patients who don't have adequate tissue to create a healthy gumline. Once you have healed from gingival grafting, it is vital that you follow a careful home oral hygiene regimen and schedule regular appointments with your dentist in Arlington, TX for yearly dental examinations and biannual professional cleanings.
BRING BACK YOUR GUMS
Gum tissue is the foundation of your overall dental health, so it's necessary to be vigilant about your gums in order to enjoy a healthy, sexy smile. Set up a tooth and gum assessment with your dentist if you are concerned about gum disease or gum recession. At MINT dentistry in South Arlington, our skilled team of dental professionals offers diagnoses and effective treatment options for gum recession, including scaling and root planing, periodontal surgery, and gum grafting. Call our practice in Arlington, TX to set up consultations for your family.