Frequent Reasons Why You Might Have Receding Gums and Ways To Prevent It
THE IMPORTANCE OF YOUR GUMS
Even though your teeth are fundamental to how attractive your smile is, your gums are equally as important. This delicate tissue supporting your teeth is the basis for your smile and serves the necessary functions of keeping your teeth in place and sheltering their vulnerable roots. This is why gum erosion is more than just an aesthetic concern; it is a worrisome oral health condition. If you want to keep your gums in good health, you must be aware of the most frequent contributing factors of gum recession. From there, you can alter your habits and oral health routine to protect yourself from receding gums. Further, if you already have receding gums, there are numerous options for procedures that can aid in maintaining your gumline. At MINT dentistry in North Richland Hills, our skilled staff of dental professionals offers both preventive care and the most effective interventions for gum recession, which are chosen according to the reason behind your gum erosion. Continue reading to understand more about gum recession, the causes, and effective treatment options. Local men and women who want to protect the health of their gums and would like to keep their smiles looking gorgeous can set up an oral health assessment with their dental practitioner in North Richland Hills, TX.
THE DANGERS OF RECEDING GUMS
A receding gumline happens when the compromised gum tissue starts to withdraw from the teeth. An increasing amount of the enamel becomes exposed until, eventually, the sensitive tooth roots are also bare. Gum recession generally won't develop overnight. Often, patients will start to have symptoms like red, swollen, and painful gums that bleed while brushing and/or flossing. Discharge along your gumline and consistent bad breath (halitosis) are also symptoms that usually precede receding gums. In the event that you notice any of these, please schedule an appointment with your dental practitioner in North Richland Hills, TX as soon as possible. If gum recession is left untreated, your teeth could start to become loose or fall out because the gums can no longer keep them secured.
LEADING CAUSES OF RECEDING GUMS
Unfortunately, gum recession is a common dental issue, especially for individuals past 40 years old. There are a lot of different causes of gum recession, which will aid your dentist in establishing how to treat yours. Several of the most frequently seen reasons behind receding gums are:
- CIGARETTES, CIGARS, AND VAPING
The unhealthy toxins in all tobacco products can weaken your gums. Also, while they don't contain tobacco, the sticky formulas in e-cigarettes and vaping liquid can also be dangerous. Talk about tobacco cessation with your general practitioner and then make an appointment with your dental practitioner to discuss your options to bring back your oral health. - GRINDING AND CLENCHING YOUR TEETH
A large number of people grind their teeth and clench their jaws if they are tense at work or while sleeping (nocturnal bruxism). The intensity of grinding and clenching can cause erosion of your teeth and oral soft tissue. - MALOCCLUSION AND UNEVEN TEETH
As with bruxism, uneven teeth and a misaligned bite (dental malocclusion) can inflict unnecessary pressure on your teeth, gums, and jawbone. Arrange an appointment with your dentist in North Richland Hills, TX to learn about treatments like Invisalign to safely change your teeth into the proper alignment. - BRUSHING TOO AGGRESSIVELY
Even though it may seem unusual, brushing your teeth too roughly can also lead to receding gums. Brushing too much and too harshly eventually eats away at the soft tissue. It's important to be using a soft-bristled toothbrush when you clean your teeth and gums. - PERIODONTAL DISEASE
The most common reason behind receding gums is periodontitis, the most advanced phase of gum disease. This inflammation of your gum tissue will probably cause gum recession if not correctly treated. - GENETICS
Your DNA might predispose you to receding gums, which means it will be more critical to be vigilant about your oral health. Ask if any close relatives have developed periodontal disease and then inform your dentist. - HORMONE FLUCTUATIONS
The variations in hormones that females have during puberty, while pregnant, and throughout menopause can cause intensified gum inflammation and heightened soreness. It is especially important to avoid gingivitis during pregnancy because it might affect the health of both the expecting mom and the baby. - INCONSISTENT DENTAL HYGIENE
Failing to floss and brush daily causes food particles and plaque to accumulate along your gums, which can lead to periodontal (gum) disease. Periodontal disease is a top reason that individuals start to develop eroding gums. Flossing is especially important in cleaning this accumulation from your gums and promoting blood circulation.
YOUR CHOICES FOR MANAGING RECEDING GUMS
To determine the most appropriate treatment for your receding gums, your dentist will first have to diagnose the cause. Gum erosion caused by periodontal (gum) disease will be treated according to how advanced your condition is. For individuals who present with the initial stage of gum disease, referred to as gingivitis, dentists typically perform multiple scaling and root planing (SRP) treatments. A noninvasive procedure, SRP therapy eliminates the buildup inside your gum pockets and polishes away pits in the enamel to protect against future buildup. If SRP therapy is not able to improve your gum health, or if you are experiencing the more advanced stage of gum disease (periodontitis), your dentist might perform periodontal surgery, or he or she might refer you to a gum specialist. During gum surgery, tiny, precise cuts will be created in your gum tissue to enter farther into your gum pockets and remove buildup along your tooth roots. SRP therapy and gum surgery are frequently accompanied by a cycle of prescription antibiotics to destroy any leftover bacteria. After SRP treatment or gum surgery, your dental practitioner will allow some time for your gums to get better and regrow on their own. In the event that your gumline remains too recessed, gingival graft surgery may be performed. Gingival grafts usually use tissue from other places in your mouth, such as the roof of your mouth, to increase tissue where required along your gumline. Synthetic and donor grafts might also be used for individuals who don't have sufficient tissue to create a proper gumline. Once you have recovered from gingival grafting, it is vital that you follow a good home oral hygiene routine and schedule regular visits with your dentist in North Richland Hills, TX for yearly dental checkups and biannual professional cleanings.
BRING BACK YOUR GUMS
Gum tissue is the basis for your general oral health, so it's necessary to maintain your gums to achieve a beautiful smile. Set up a tooth and gum analysis with your dentist if you are concerned about periodontal disease or receding gums. At MINT dentistry in North Richland Hills, our experienced team of dental professionals offers diagnoses and many treatment options for receding gums, including SRP therapy, periodontal surgery, and gum grafting. Visit our practice in North Richland Hills, TX to schedule appointments for your family.