Gum recession is a very scary thing to experience. If you are unfamiliar with it, you may not know what is happening when your gums start pulling away from your teeth.
Please keep reading to know everything about gum recession and how to treat it.
What is Gum Recession?
Gum recession is a gum disease that happens when the gum tissue pulls away from teeth. Exposing the roots underneath, making your teeth more vulnerable to cavities. Gum recession can even make your teeth more sensitive when brushing or eating. As it can be mild, moderate, or severe and may affect one or multiple teeth. Sometimes it can be a very painful and frustrating problem – not to mention. It can also lead to bigger dental problems down the road.
Causes of Gum Recession
The causes of gum recession include:
- Periodontal diseases: Periodontal diseases are bacterial gum infections that destroy supporting bone and gum tissue that hold your teeth in place. It is one of the main causes of the gum recession.
- Aggressive tooth brushing: Brushing teeth too hard in the wrong way can cause the enamel on your teeth to wear away, making gums recede.
- Insufficient dental care: Inadequate brushing, flossing, and rinsing with antibacterial mouthwash makes it easy for plaque to turn into calculus (tartar), leading to gum recession.
- Hormonal changes: Female hormone levels such as puberty, pregnancy, and menopause fluctuate during a woman’s lifetime, making gums more sensitive and more vulnerable to gum recession.
- Tobacco products: Tobacco products can leave sticky plaque on teeth that’s difficult to remove and eventually leads to gum recession.
- Grinding and clenching the teeth: Grinding and clenching your teeth constantly with force can wear down gum tissue and cause receding gums.
- Crooked teeth or a misaligned bite: Crooked teeth or a misaligned bite can also put undue stress on gum tissue, causing it to recede over time.
- Piercing of the lip or tongue: Even something seemingly innocuous as body piercings can cause gum recession. Jewelry rubbing against the gums can irritate the tissue and lead to wear and tear.
Symptoms of Gum Recession
Some common symptoms of gum recession are:
- If you have gum recession, you will notice that your teeth appear longer than they used to because the gum tissue that once covered the tooth roots is now gone, exposing more of the tooth.
- You may also notice an increased space between your teeth due to the loss of gum tissue, which can cause your teeth to shift slightly.
- Another symptom of gum recession is sensitivity to cold and heat, and this is because the tooth roots are now exposed and unprotected. The nerves in the tooth roots are sensitive so that they can be easily irritated by changes in temperature.
- If your gums bleed more easily than usual. They are a sign of gum disease, which is often the cause of gum recession.
Gum recession is a serious dental issue that can lead to tooth loss if it’s not treated. So, you must see your dentist immediately if you notice any of these symptoms.
Treatment for Gum Recession
In the case of mild gum recession, patients do not need treatment, and dentists generally advise on prevention and monitor the gums. For patients who do need treatment, several options are available:
- Desensitizing agents, varnishes, and dentin bonding agents: Desensitizing agents, varnishes, and dentin bonding agents are often used to reduce the sensitivity of exposed tooth roots. These products can also help preserve oral hygiene by easing the brushing of sensitive teeth. However, they may not effectively treat all cases of gum recession.
- Pink porcelain or composite: Pink porcelain or composite is another popular material for treating gum recession. It is the same pink color as the gums. It can be applied to fill the gaps where the gums have receded. However, pink porcelain or composite is not always treated for gum recession.
- Removable gum veneers: Removable gum veneers are usually made of acrylic or silicone and artificially replace the large area of missing gum. However, gum veneers can be very uncomfortable to wear.
- Orthodontics: These include treatments that slowly move the position of the teeth over a long period. This repositioning corrects the gum margin and makes it easier to keep your teeth clean.
- Surgery: A dental surgeon grafts tissue from another site in the mouth, and the tissue heals over the gum recession. A person usually only needs surgery to treat severely receding gums.
- Gingival Grafting: This is a procedure where gum tissue is taken from another mouth area and transplanted to the gum line. Gingival grafting can help to cover exposed roots and improve the appearance of your smile.
- Connective Tissue Graft: This is similar to gingival grafting, but the tissue is taken from underneath the gum line. It can help build up the gum tissue and make it less likely to recede.
How can you prevent a Gum Recession?
If you’re concerned about the gum recession, you’re not alone. Many people experience gum recessions at some point in their lives. However, following simple tips can reduce your risk of infection-related gum recession and keep your teeth and gums healthy. Here are three best tips for preventing gum recession:
Tip #01: Brush your teeth thoroughly twice every day.
One of the most important things you can do to prevent gum recession is brushing your teeth. Be sure to brush your teeth for two minutes at least twice daily, using a soft-bristled toothbrush. You should also floss once daily and use an antimicrobial mouthwash twice daily.
Tip #02: Don’t smoke or use chewing tobacco.
Smoking or using chewing tobacco are both risk factors for gum recession. If you smoke and use chewing tobacco, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your gum health.
Tip #03: See your dentist if you notice any signs of gum recession.
If you notice any symptoms of gum recession, such as bleeding gums or receding gum lines, see your dentist as soon as possible. Early treatment can help prevent further gum recession.
Are you suffering from Gum Recession? Contact RiverRock Dental for the best treatment in Shakopee, MN, now!
If you suffer from a gum recession and want to prevent it, you must talk to an expert dentist. At RiverRock Dental will help you determine the best course of action for preventing gum recession and keeping your smile healthy. So, if you have any concerns about the gum recession, contact us now!
