Leading Causes Why Patients Might Have Receding Gums and How To Manage It
ALL ABOUT YOUR GUMS
Even though your teeth are fundamental to how brilliant your smile is, your gums are equally as important. This amazing tissue in your mouth is the basis for your smile and performs the important functions of holding your teeth in place and sheltering their vulnerable roots. This is why gum erosion is more pressing than an aesthetic concern. It is a significant oral health condition. In order to keep your gums healthy, you have to know the most frequent precursors to gum recession. Then, you can change your habits and oral health regimen to stave off gum recession. Also, if you already suffer from receding gums, you have multiple options for treatments that can help in healing your gumline. At MINT dentistry in Grapevine, our experienced team of dental professionals performs both preventive care as well as multiple interventions for receding gums, which are chosen based on the cause of your gum recession. Read on to find out more about receding gums, the causes, and common treatment options. Area patients who want to maintain their gum health and would like to keep their smiles looking amazing can set up an oral health evaluation with a dentist in Grapevine, TX.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT RECEDING GUMS
Gum erosion develops when the soft gumline starts to shrink away from the teeth. More and more of the enamel becomes exposed until, gradually, the roots are also bare. Gum recession generally does not happen quickly; first, patients will start to notice symptoms such as inflamed and tender gums that bleed while brushing and/or flossing. Discharge at your gumline and persistent bad breath (halitosis) are also signs that typically precede receding gums. If you have any of them, you should schedule an appointment with your dental practitioner in Grapevine, TX as soon as possible. If receding gums are left untreated, your teeth may loosen and fall out, since the gum tissues aren't strong enough to hold them secured.
LEADING CAUSES OF GUM RECESSION
Sadly, receding gums are not a rare dental problem, particularly for individuals past the age of 40. There are numerous causes of gum recession, which can aid your dentist in choosing how to treat yours. A few of the most common reasons behind receding gums are:
- INCONSISTENT DENTAL HYGIENE
Choosing not to floss and brush every day leaves food bits and plaque to accumulate along your gums, which can cause periodontal (gum) disease. Gum disease is a leading reason that patients start to have eroding gums. Flossing is especially crucial to removing buildup from your gumline and encouraging blood circulation. - MISALIGNED BITES AND UNEVEN TEETH
As with bruxism, crooked teeth and malocclusion (bite misalignment) can inflict unnecessary force on your teeth, gums, and jawbone. Arrange an appointment with your dentist in Grapevine, TX to learn about orthodontic options like Invisalign to gradually move your teeth into the correct position. - HORMONAL CHANGES
The surges in hormones that females go through during puberty, pregnancy, and with menopause can trigger worsening gum inflammation as well as heightened tenderness. It is especially important to prevent gingivitis during pregnancy, since it may negatively impact the health of both the pregnant woman and the baby. - GRINDING AND CLENCHING YOUR TEETH
Many people grind their teeth and clench their jaws if they are worried at work or while sleeping (nocturnal bruxism). The force of clenching and grinding can degrade your teeth and gums. - BRUSHING YOUR TEETH TOO MUCH
While it might seem strange, brushing your teeth too much can also be a cause of receding gums. Brushing too much or too aggressively eventually wears down the gums. You should be using a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean your teeth and gums. - GUM DISEASE
The leading cause of receding gums is periodontitis, the most advanced stage of gum disease. This infection of your gum tissue will likely cause gum recession if not properly treated. - 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. Find out if any family members have experienced gum disease and then let your dentist know. - SMOKING OR CHEWING TOBACCO
The poisonous chemicals in tobacco products can hurt your gums. Also, though they don't have tobacco, the gooey ingredients in vape pens and electronic cigarettes can also be dangerous. Talk about quitting tobacco with your doctor and then make an appointment with your dentist to learn about ways to bring back your oral health.
METHODS OF TREATING GUM EROSION
To establish the ideal treatment for your gum recession, your dental practitioner will have to locate the cause. Gum erosion caused by periodontal (gum) disease will be treated in relation to how advanced your condition is. For those who have the first stage of gum disease, referred to as gingivitis, dentists typically conduct a number of scaling and root planing (SRP) sessions. A noninvasive procedure, SRP therapy removes the accumulated plaque inside your gum pockets and polishes away pits in the enamel to help avoid future buildup. If SRP therapy is not sufficient to improve your gum health, or if you have the second stage of gum disease referred to as periodontitis, your dental practitioner can possibly perform gum surgery, or they might refer you to a periodontist. During gum surgery, tiny, precise cuts will be made in your gums to enter deeper into your gum pockets and remove buildup along your tooth roots. SRP treatments and periodontal surgery are often accompanied by a cycle of prescription antibiotics to clear any surviving bacteria. After SRP therapy or gum surgery, your dentist will wait a bit for your gums to get better and regenerate. If your gumline remains insufficient, gingival graft surgery may be done. Gingival grafts generally utilize tissue from different areas of your mouth, for example, the roof of your mouth, to add tissue where required along your gumline. Synthetic and donor grafts may also be used for patients who don't have enough tissue to create a healthy gumline. After you have recovered from gingival grafting, it is important to practice a good home oral hygiene routine and attend regular appointments with your dentist in Grapevine, TX for annual dental checkups and biannual dental cleanings.
BRING BACK YOUR GUMS
Your gums are integral to your oral health, so you need to be careful with your gums to enjoy an attractive, vibrant smile. Set up a tooth and gum assessment with your dentist if you are concerned about periodontal disease or receding gums. At MINT dentistry in Grapevine, our experienced staff of dental professionals offers diagnoses and many treatment options for receding gums, including SRP therapy, gum surgery, and gum grafting. Visit our facility in Grapevine, TX to set up exams for your entire family.