Top Causes Why People Could Develop Receding Gums and Ways To Treat It
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT YOUR GUMS
Even though your teeth are integral to how healthy your smile is, your gums are equally as important. This delicate tissue in your mouth is the substructure of your smile and performs the vital functions of holding your teeth in position and protecting their sensitive roots. Therefore, gum recession is not simply a cosmetic concern. It is a serious dental condition. In order to keep your gums healthy, you have to be aware of the common causes of gum recession. With that knowledge, you can change your habits and oral health regimen to avoid gum recession. Also, if you currently suffer from receding gums, there are numerous options for treatments that can assist in healing your gumline. At MINT dentistry in Katy, our experienced staff of dental professionals provides both preventive care as well as the most effective interventions for receding gums, each of which is chosen according to the cause of your gum recession. Continue reading to discover more about receding gums, the causes, and frequently used treatment methods. Area men and women who want to protect their gum health and wish to keep their smiles looking great are invited to schedule an oral health examination with a dental practitioner in Houston, TX.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT RECEDING GUMS
Gum recession develops when the soft gumline begins to withdraw from the teeth. An increasing amount of the tooth is visible until, gradually, the sensitive roots are also exposed. Gum recession usually does not develop rapidly; first, you'll begin to have symptoms such as red, swollen, and painful gums that bleed easily. Pus at your gumline and consistent bad breath (halitosis) are also signs that usually precede receding gums. When you have any of them, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist in Houston, TX as soon as possible. If gum recession is ignored, your teeth might begin to loosen or fall out because the gum tissues can no longer hold them secured.
TOP REASONS BEHIND RECEDING GUMS
Sadly, gum recession is a frequently seen dental issue, especially for people over the age of 40. There are multiple causes of receding gums, which can help your dentist in establishing the best way to manage yours. Some of the most common causes of receding gums are:
- BRUSHING TOO HARSHLY
Even though it might strike you as unusual, brushing your teeth too often can also be a cause of receding gums. Brushing too much or too harshly gradually eats away at the gums. You should be using a soft-bristled toothbrush when you clean your teeth and massage your gums. - GUM DISEASE
The most common cause of receding gums is periodontitis, the worst phase of gum disease. This disease in your gum tissue will probably cause gum recession if not correctly treated. - HEREDITY
Your DNA may make you vulnerable to receding gums, which means it will be more important to pay attention to your teeth and gums. Find out if any family members have suffered from periodontal disease and then inform your dentist. - INCONSISTENT DENTAL CARE
Failing to brush and floss after eating leaves food debris and plaque to accumulate between your teeth, which can promote periodontal (gum) disease. Periodontal disease is a top reason that people begin to experience eroding gums. Flossing is especially critical in cleaning buildup from your gumline and boosting blood circulation. - MALOCCLUSION OR CROOKED TEETH
As with tooth grinding, irregularly positioned teeth and malocclusion (bite misalignment) can inflict extra force on your teeth, gums, and jawbone. Arrange a visit with your dental practitioner in Houston, TX to discuss orthodontic options like Invisalign to safely adjust your bite into the proper position. - USING TOBACCO
The poisonous toxins in all tobacco products can hurt your gums. In addition, though they don't contain tobacco, the viscous ingredients in e-cigarettes and vaping liquid can also be harmful. Get help with quitting tobacco with your doctor and then make an appointment with your dental practitioner to learn about your options to restore your oral health. - BRUXISM
A large number of people grind their teeth and clench their jaws when they are tense at work or as they sleep (nocturnal bruxism). The force of clenching and grinding eats away at your teeth and gums. - HORMONAL CHANGES
The surges in hormones that females have during puberty, while pregnant, and with menopause can trigger intensified gum inflammation as well as heightened sensitivity. It is quite important to avoid gingivitis during pregnancy, since it can negatively impact the health of both the expecting mom and the child.
OPTIONS FOR TREATING GUM EROSION
To determine the best treatment for your gum recession, your dental practitioner will need to locate the cause. Gum erosion caused by periodontal (gum) disease will be treated in relation to how advanced your condition is. For men and women who present with the early stage of gum disease, referred to as gingivitis, dentists usually do several scaling and root planing (SRP) sessions. A very common procedure, SRP therapy eliminates the buildup inside your gum pockets and polishes away pits in the enamel to protect against future buildup. If SRP deep cleaning is not sufficient to improve your gum health, or if you have the next stage of gum disease referred to as periodontitis, your dentist can possibly perform periodontal surgery, or he or she could refer you to a periodontist. During gum surgery, tiny, precise cuts will be made in your gums to penetrate farther into your gum pockets and remove buildup along your tooth roots. SRP treatments and periodontal surgery are generally accompanied by a round of prescription antibiotics to destroy any persistent bacteria. Following SRP therapy or periodontal surgery, your dental practitioner will allow some time for your gums to heal and regrow. In the event that your gumline is still too high, gingival graft surgery may be performed. Periodontal plastic surgeries generally utilize tissue from other areas of your mouth, including your roof palate, to supplement the coverage where needed along your gumline. Man-made and donor grafts can also be used for individuals who don't have sufficient tissue to create a robust gumline. After you have recovered from gum grafting, it is important to practice a consistent home oral hygiene routine and schedule regular appointments with your dentist in Houston, TX for yearly dental examinations and biannual professional cleanings.
IMPROVE THE HEALTH OF YOUR GUMLINE
Gum tissue is the foundation of your oral health, so you have to maintain your gums in order to enjoy a beautiful smile. Schedule an oral health exam with your dentist if you have questions about periodontal disease or receding gums. At MINT dentistry in Katy, our experienced team of dental professionals offers diagnoses and many treatment options for gum recession, including SRP therapy, periodontal surgery, and gum grafting. Reach out to our facility in Houston, TX to set up appointments for your whole family.