Leading Causes Why People Could Develop Receding Gums and How To Treat It
ALL ABOUT YOUR GUMS
Even though your teeth are fundamental to how gorgeous your smile is, your gums are equally as important. This remarkable tissue supporting your teeth is the substructure of your smile and performs the necessary functions of securing your teeth in place and shielding their vulnerable roots. This is why gum recession is more than just a cosmetic concern. It is a significant oral health condition. If you want to keep your gums in good health, you need to learn the leading contributing factors of gum recession. From there, you can change your habits and oral health routine to protect yourself from gum recession. Further, if you already suffer from receding gums, you have many options for procedures that can assist in healing your gumline. At MINT dentistry in McKinney, our skilled staff of dental professionals offers both preventive care as well as many treatments for receding gums, which are selected based on the reason behind your gum erosion. Read on to understand more about gum recession, the causes, and frequently used treatment methods. Local individuals who want to maintain the health of their gums and wish to keep their teeth and gums looking attractive are invited to plan an oral health evaluation with a dentist in McKinney, TX.
THE DANGERS OF RECEDING GUMS
Gum erosion happens when the delicate gumline begins to withdraw from the teeth. More and more of the enamel is exposed until, over time, the tooth roots are also uncovered. Gum recession typically does not occur overnight. Often, you'll begin to notice symptoms such as red, swollen, and tender gums that bleed for no reason. Secretions along your gumline and consistent bad breath (halitosis) are also signs that usually develop before receding gums. In the event that you see any of them, it's important that you set up a consultation with your dentist in McKinney, TX right away. If receding gums are neglected, your teeth can loosen or fall out because the gums aren't healthy enough to keep them secured.
TOP CAUSES OF GUM RECESSION
Regrettably, receding gums are not an unusual dental problem, particularly for those past 40 years old. There are numerous causes of gum recession, which can assist your dentist in figuring out how to manage yours. A few of the most common causes of receding gums are:
- HORMONE CHANGES
The fluctuating hormones that females experience during puberty, while pregnant, and with menopause can trigger intensified gum swelling and redness and heightened tenderness. It is quite important to avoid gingivitis during pregnancy, since it might negatively impact the health of the pregnant woman and the child. - MALOCCLUSION AND CROOKED TEETH
As with bruxism, uneven teeth and malocclusion (bite misalignment) can impose extra weight on your jaws, teeth, and gums. Arrange an appointment with your dentist in McKinney, TX to learn about orthodontic treatments like Invisalign to gently move your teeth into the best alignment. - CLENCHING OR GRINDING TEETH
Numerous people clench their jaws and/or grind their teeth if they are tense during the day or as they sleep (nocturnal bruxism). The pressure of clenching and grinding wears down your teeth and gums. - GENETICS
Family history can make you vulnerable to receding gums, which means it will be more important to take extra care of your oral health. Ask whether any close relatives have experienced gum disease and then let your dentist know. - INSUFFICIENT DENTAL HYGIENE
Failing to brush and floss every day leaves food debris and plaque to accumulate between your teeth, which can lead to periodontal (gum) disease. Periodontal disease is a top reason that men and women begin to develop gum recession. Flossing is especially critical in removing this accumulation from your gums and stimulating blood circulation. - CIGARETTES, CIGARS, AND VAPING
The poisonous toxins in any tobacco products can weaken your gums. Also, though they don't contain tobacco, the gooey ingredients in vape pens and electronic cigarettes can also be harmful. Discuss tobacco cessation with your doctor and then visit your dental practitioner to go over your options to bring back your oral health. - GUM DISEASE
The number one reason behind receding gums is periodontitis, the worst stage of gum disease. This disease in your soft tissue will likely lead to gum recession if not properly treated. - BRUSHING YOUR TEETH TOO HARD
While it may strike you as illogical, brushing your teeth too aggressively can also lead to receding gums. Brushing too often and too hard gradually wears down the soft tissue. It's important to be using a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean your teeth and gums.
YOUR CHOICES FOR MANAGING GUM RECESSION
To determine the most appropriate treatment for your gum recession, your dental practitioner will first have to diagnose the cause. Gum erosion caused by gum disease will be treated according to how serious your case is. For individuals who have the early stage of gum disease, called gingivitis, dentists often perform a number of scaling and root planing (SRP) sessions. A nonsurgical deep-cleaning method, SRP therapy removes the accumulated plaque inside your gum pockets and polishes away pits in the enamel to prevent future buildup. If SRP deep cleaning is not sufficient to improve your oral health, or if you are experiencing the second stage of gum disease (periodontitis), your dentist may perform periodontal surgery, or they could refer you to a periodontist. During gum surgery, tiny, precise cuts will be created in your gum tissue to enter deeper into your gum pockets and remove buildup on your tooth roots. SRP therapy and gum surgery are usually followed by a cycle of antibiotics to destroy any remaining bacteria. Following SRP treatment or periodontal surgery, your dental practitioner will wait a bit for your gums to mend and regrow on their own. If your gumline is still too high, gingival graft surgery may be done. Periodontal plastic surgeries typically take tissue from different places in your mouth, such as your roof palate, to increase coverage where necessary along your gumline. Synthetic and donor grafts could also be used for patients who don't have sufficient tissue to create a proper gumline. Once you have recovered from periodontal plastic surgery, it is vital that you follow a consistent home oral hygiene routine and schedule regular appointments with your dental practitioner in McKinney, TX for yearly dental examinations and twice-yearly professional cleanings.
IMPROVE THE HEALTH OF YOUR GUMS
Gum tissue is integral to your general dental well-being, so it's necessary to be vigilant about your gums to enjoy a stunning, pristine smile. Set up a tooth and gum evaluation with a dentist if you have questions about gum disease or gum recession. At MINT dentistry in McKinney, our knowledgeable team of dental professionals provides diagnoses and many treatment options for gum recession, including SRP therapy, periodontal surgery, and gingival grafting. Call our practice in McKinney, TX to schedule appointments for your family.