Top Reasons Why People Might Develop Receding Gums and How To Prevent It
THE IMPORTANCE OF YOUR GUMS
Even though your teeth are integral to how gorgeous your smile is, your gums are also important. This remarkable tissue surrounding your teeth is the substructure of your smile and serves the important functions of keeping your teeth in position and sheltering their sensitive roots. Therefore, gum recession is more pressing than a cosmetic concern. It is a worrisome oral health condition. If you want to keep your gums healthy, you have to know the common causes of gum recession. With that knowledge, you can alter your habits and oral health regimen to protect yourself from receding gums. Plus, if you already suffer from receding gums, there are numerous options for procedures that can aid in maintaining your gumline. At MINT dentistry in Sugarland, our experienced team of dental professionals offers preventive care as well as a full range of interventions for receding gums, which are selected based on the cause of your gum recession. Continue reading to understand more about receding gums, the causes, and common treatment options. Local men and women who want to ensure the health of their gums and wish to keep their smiles looking attractive can schedule an oral health assessment with their dentist in Sugarland, TX.
TOOTH LOSS AND GUM RECESSION
A receding gumline develops when the compromised gum tissue begins to withdraw from the teeth. More and more of the enamel becomes visible until, over time, the roots are also bare. Gum recession generally won't develop rapidly; first, patients will begin to develop symptoms like red, swollen, and painful gums that bleed easily. Secretions at your gumline and persistent foul-smelling breath (halitosis) are also symptoms that are likely to develop before receding gums. When you notice any of them, please schedule a visit with your dentist in Sugarland, TX right away. If gum recession is ignored, your teeth can start to loosen and fall out, since the gums can't keep them in position.
TOP REASONS BEHIND RECEDING GUMS
Regrettably, receding gums are not an unusual dental issue, especially for people past the age of 40. There are multiple causes of gum recession, which will help your dentist in figuring out how to treat yours. Several of the most common causes of gum erosion are:
- MALOCCLUSION AND CROOKED TEETH
Like with tooth grinding, uneven teeth and malocclusion (bite misalignment) can inflict unnecessary force on your jaws, teeth, and gums. Arrange a visit with your dental practitioner in Sugarland, TX to talk about orthodontic treatments like Invisalign to gently adjust your bite into the best position. - GENETICS
Your genes might predispose you to receding gums, which means it will be more necessary to pay attention to your teeth and gums. Find out whether any close relatives have dealt with periodontal disease and then inform your dentist. - BRUSHING YOUR TEETH TOO MUCH
While it may seem counterintuitive, scrubbing your teeth too aggressively can also lead to receding gums. Brushing too often or too aggressively eventually wears down the soft tissue. You should be using a brush with soft bristles to clean your teeth and gums. - PERIODONTAL DISEASE
The number one cause of gum recession is periodontitis, the latest phase of periodontal disease. This infection in your soft tissue will probably cause gum recession if not properly treated. - INCONSISTENT DENTAL HYGIENE
Neglecting to brush and floss every day allows food debris and plaque to build up along your gums, which can cause periodontal (gum) disease. Gum disease is a top reason that individuals start to have gum recession. Flossing is particularly crucial to eliminating buildup from your gums and boosting blood circulation. - SMOKING OR CHEWING TOBACCO
The unhealthy toxins in all tobacco products can weaken your gums. Further, though they don't include tobacco, the viscous elements in e-cigarettes and vaping liquid are also harmful. Discuss quitting tobacco with your general practitioner and then make an appointment with your dentist to go over your options to restore your oral health. - BRUXISM
Many people grind their teeth and clench their jaws if they are tense at work or while sleeping (nocturnal bruxism). The pressure of grinding and clenching can cause erosion of your teeth and gums. - HORMONE FLUCTUATIONS
The changing hormones that women experience during adolescence, pregnancy, and all the way through menopause can lead to intensified gum inflammation as well as heightened soreness. It is very important to avoid gingivitis during pregnancy because it may affect the health of the pregnant woman and the child.
YOUR CHOICES FOR MANAGING GUM EROSION
To determine the correct treatment for your receding gums, your dental practitioner will first have to diagnose the cause. Gum erosion caused by periodontal (gum) disease will be treated based on how advanced your case is. For patients who present with the first stage of gum disease, called gingivitis, dentists often perform several scaling and root planing (SRP) treatments. A nonsurgical deep-cleaning method, SRP therapy eliminates the buildup inside your gum pockets and evens out the enamel to protect against future accumulation. If SRP deep cleaning is not enough to improve your oral health, or if you are experiencing the next stage of gum disease (periodontitis), your dentist may perform gum surgery, or they could refer you to an oral surgeon. During gum surgery, tiny, precise cuts will be created in your gum tissue to reach deeper into your gum pockets and clean any accumulation along your tooth roots. Both SRP therapy and periodontal surgery are usually followed by a cycle of prescription antibiotics to kill any remaining bacteria. After SRP treatment or periodontal surgery, your dentist will wait a bit for your gums to mend and regenerate on their own. In the event that your gumline remains insufficient, periodontal plastic surgery may be done. Gingival grafts typically take tissue from other areas of your mouth, for example, your roof palate, to increase tissue where needed on your gumline. Man-made and donor grafts could also be used for individuals who don't have adequate tissue to build a robust gumline. After you have recovered from periodontal plastic surgery, it is vital that you follow a good home oral hygiene routine and schedule regular visits with your dental practitioner in Sugarland, TX for yearly dental examinations and biannual professional cleanings.
RESTORE YOUR GUMS
Gum tissue is central to your overall oral health, so you need to be careful with your gums in order to achieve a beautiful smile. Set up a comprehensive oral evaluation with a dentist if you have questions about gum disease or receding gums. At MINT dentistry in Sugarland, our skilled team of dental professionals provides diagnoses and many treatment options for gum recession, including SRP therapy, gum surgery, and gum grafting. Visit our practice in Sugarland, TX to set up appointments for your whole family.