Top Reasons Patients Develop Gum Recession and Common Treatment Procedures

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT YOUR GUMS
Even though your teeth are a huge factor in 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 keep from getting receding gums. Also, if you already have receding gums, there are a lot of options for treatments that can assist in restoring your gumline. At DentalWorks – Easton, our knowledgeable team of dental professionals performs preventive care and the most effective 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 Columbus, OH.

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 abruptly; 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 are likely to precede gum recession. In the event that you have any of these, you need to schedule a consultation with your dentist in Columbus, OH as soon as possible. If gum recession is neglected, your teeth are likely to start to loosen and fall out, because the gum tissue can’t hold them secured.

CAUSES OF GUM RECESSION
Sadly, gum recession is a frequently seen dental issue, especially for those 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:

  • 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 Columbus, OH 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.
  • INSUFFICENT DENTAL CARE
    Neglecting to brush and floss daily causes food bits and plaque to build up, which can promote gum disease. Gum disease is a very common reason that men and women start to develop gum recession. Flossing is particularly critical in cleaning buildup from your gumline and help blood circulation.
  • BRUSHING TOO HARD
    Though it may strike you as illogical, brushing your teeth too often 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.
  • 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.
  • 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 has the potential to affect the health of the pregnant woman and the child.
  • 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.
  • GUM DISEASE
    The most frequent cause of gum recession is periodontitis, the worst stage of gum disease. This disease in your soft tissue will probably lead to gum recession if not promptly treated.

OPTIONS FOR TREATMENT FOR RECEDING GUMS
To choose the proper 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 men and women 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 generally followed by a round of antibiotics to kill any left-over 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 often 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 Columbus, OH for annual dental examinations and bi-annual professional cleanings.

IMPROVE THE HEALTH OF YOUR GUMLINE
Your gums are the basis for the overall health of your teeth, so you have to be vigilant about your gum health have a beautiful smile. Schedule tooth and gum analysis with a dentist if you are concerned about gum disease or receding gums. At DentalWorks – Easton, 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 Columbus, OH to set up consultations for your entire family.