Leading Causes of Gum Recession and Common Treatment Procedures

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT YOUR GUMS
Even though your teeth are an essential part of how healthy your smile looks, your gums are also important. This soft tissue is the substructure of your smile and serves the crucial functions of securing your teeth in place and shielding their sensitive roots. This is why a receding gumline is more pressing than a cosmetic problem; it is a worrisome dental condition. To keep your gums healthy, you must know the typical causes of gum recession. Then, you can change your lifestyle and oral health practices to stave off receding gums. In addition, if you already have receding gums, there are a lot of options for treatments that can assist in restoring your gumline. At DentalWorks – Carmel Village, our knowledgeable team of dental professionals performs preventive care and a full range of treatments for receding gums, which are chosen according to the cause of your gum recession. Read on to understand more about gum recession, the causes, and frequently used treatment options. Local men and women who are concerned about the health of their gums can schedule an oral health evaluation with a dentist in Charlotte, NC.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT GUM RECESSION
A receding gumline develops when the soft tissue begins to draw away from the teeth. More and more of the enamel is visible until, over time, the roots are also bared. Gum recession generally does not develop rapidly; first, you’ll begin to have symptoms like red, swollen, and painful gums that bleed while brushing and/or flossing. Discharge along your gumline and unremitting bad breath (halitosis) are also signs that typically precede gum recession. In the event that you have any of these, please schedule a consultation with your dentist in Charlotte, NC as soon as possible. If gum recession is neglected, your teeth could start to loosen and fall out, because the gum tissue aren’t healthy enough to hold them secured.

CAUSES OF GUM RECESSION
Sadly, gum recession is not a rare dental issue, especially for patients over the age of 40. There are multiple causes of gum recession, which should aid your dentist in choosing how to treat yours. Several of the most common are:

  • USING TOBACCO
    The chemicals in all tobacco products can weaken your gums. Also, though they don’t include tobacco, the gooey substances in e-cigarettes and vaping liquid are also dangerous. Get help with tobacco cessation with your primary care physician and then make an appointment with your dentist to go over ways to enhance your oral health.
  • BRUSHING TOO MUCH
    Though it may strike you as odd, brushing your teeth too roughly can also be a cause of receding gums. Gradually, brushing too hard and too often wears down the gums. It’s important to be using a soft-bristled toothbrush to brush your teeth and gums.
  • GENETICS
    Your DNA can predispose you to gum recession, which will make it more necessary to pay attention to your oral health. Ask if any family members have suffered from periodontitis and tell your dental practitioner if anyone answers yes.
  • HORMONE CHANGES
    The surges in hormones that females have during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause can cause intensified gum inflammation and elevated sensitivity. It is quite important to avoid pregnancy gingivitis, since this may affect the health of the pregnant woman and the child.
  • MISALIGNED BITES OR IRREGULARLY SITUATED TEETH
    Like bruxism, irregularly situated teeth and a misaligned bite (dental malocclusion) can inflect unnecessary pressure on your teeth, gums, and jawbone. Schedule an appointment with your dentist in Charlotte, NC to learn about orthodontic treatments like Invisalign to gradually change your teeth into the best position.
  • GRINDING AND CLENCHING YOUR TEETH
    A large number of people grind their teeth and clench their jaws when they are anxious during the day or while sleeping (nocturnal bruxism). The weight of clenching and grinding eats away at your teeth and gums.
  • GUM DISEASE
    The number one cause of gum recession is periodontitis, the worst stage of gum disease. This disease in your soft tissue could lead to gum recession if not promptly treated.
  • INSUFFICENT DENTAL CARE
    Neglecting to brush and floss daily causes food remnants and plaque to build up, which can promote gum disease. Gum disease is a very common reason that people start to develop gum recession. Flossing is particularly critical in cleaning buildup from your gumline and encourage blood circulation.

OPTIONS FOR TREATMENT FOR RECEDING GUMS
To choose the most appropriate treatment for your gum recession, your dentist will need to locate the cause. Gum recession caused by periodontal (gum) disease will be treated in relation to how advanced your case is. For individuals who have the early stage of gum disease, called gingivitis, dentists often recommend a number of scaling and root planing (SRP) treatments. A very common procedure, SRP therapy eliminates the buildup from your gum pockets and smoothes the enamel to help avoid future accumulation. If SRP therapy is not able to improve the health of your gums, or if you have the more advanced stage of gum disease (periodontitis), your dentist can possibly perform periodontal surgery, or he or she could refer you to a periodontist or oral surgeon. During periodontal surgery, incisions will be made in your gum tissue to enter deeper into your gum pockets and remove buildup along your tooth roots. SRP therapy and gum surgery are usually followed by a round of antibiotics to kill any surviving bacteria. After SRP therapy and periodontal surgery, your dental practitioner will allow some time for your gums to mend and regrow. In cases where your gumline is still insufficient, periodontal plastic surgery could be performed. Periodontal plastic surgeries frequently take tissue from other areas of your mouth, such as the roof of your mouth, to add coverage where required on your gumline. Synthetic and donor grafts are often also be used for individuals who don’t have sufficient tissue to create a proper gumline. After you have recovered from periodontal plastic surgery, it is important to follow a careful home oral hygiene routine and attend regular visits with your dentist in Charlotte, NC for annual dental examinations and bi-annual professional cleanings.

BRING BACK YOUR GUMLINE
Your gums are integral to the overall health of your teeth, so you have to be vigilant about your gum health have a beautiful smile. Schedule tooth and gum evaluation with a dentist if you are concerned about gum disease or receding gums. At DentalWorks – Carmel Village, our knowledgeable team of dental professionals offers diagnoses and treatment for receding gums, including scaling and root planing, gum surgery, and gum grafting. Contact our facility in Charlotte, NC to set up consultations for your entire family.