Receeding Gums

Gum Recession: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Gum recession is a common dental problem that occurs when the gum tissue that surrounds and supports your teeth begins to pull back or wear away, exposing the tooth's root. If left untreated, this disease can lead to sensitivity, discomfort, and even tooth loss. To stop further harm to your teeth and gums, it's critical to seek treatment from a dentist as soon as you think you have gum recession.

Here, we'll discuss the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for gum recession.

Causes of Gum Recession

Gum recession can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

1. Brushing too hard: Overbrushing or using a toothbrush with hard bristles can cause the gum tissue to wear away, leading to gum recession.

2. Periodontal disease: If left unchecked, this bacterial infection of the bone and gums that support your teeth can result in gum recession.

3. Genetics: Some individuals may be more genetically predisposed to gum recession.

4. Hormonal alterations: Gum decline is more likely to happen if there are hormonal alterations during pregnancy or menopause.

5. Tobacco use: Smoking or using other tobacco products can make tooth recession more likely.

6. Grinding or clenching your teeth can place undue strain on the gums and cause recession.

Gum recession symptoms include:

One of the most prevalent symptoms of gum recession is dental sensitivity. This happens when the dental root is exposed and becomes more sensitive to air, heat, and cold.

2. Visible Root Surface: Gum recession is likely if you observe that your teeth seem longer than they should or that the roots of your teeth are visible.

3. Gum Bleeding: Gum recession may be the cause of bleeding when you clean or floss your teeth.

4. Loose Teeth: The gingival tissue receding can make the teeth lose or cause them to move out of position.

5. Bad Breath: Because the exposed tooth root can contain bacteria, gum recession can also harbour bacteria that contribute to bad breath.

Treatments for Gum Recession include:

1. Scaling and root planing: This non-surgical procedure includes brushing the gums and teeth to get rid of plaque and tartar buildup. This can facilitate the regeneration of gum tissue and decrease inflammation.

2. Gum Graft Surgery: Using tissue from another part of the mouth, the exposed tooth root is covered during this operation. By doing so, you can stop further gum tissue recession and repair the gum tissue.

3. Pinhole Surgical Technique: This minimally intrusive technique entails making a tiny hole in the gum tissue and using specialised tools to loosen and reposition the tissue.

4. Laser Therapy: In this procedure, damaged gum tissue is removed in order to encourage recovery.

5. Orthodontic Treatment: In some cases, orthodontic treatment can be used to correct misaligned teeth that may be contributing to gum recession.

Gum Recession prevention tips:

1. Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Plaque and tartar buildup, which can cause tooth recession, can be removed with daily cleaning and twice-daily brushing.

2. Give up Smoking: Smoking raises the chance of gum recession and can exacerbate gum disease.

3. Put on a mouthguard: If you clench or grind your teeth at night, you may want to consider donning a mouthguard to protect your teeth and gums.

4. Go to the Dentist Frequently: Gum recession can be identified and treated before it becomes a major issue with regular dental checkups.

In summation, gum recession is a severe dental issue that, if left untreated, can result in discomfort and even tooth loss. Consult a dentist right away if you're feeling the effects of gingival recession to stop further harm from occurring to your teeth and gums. You can aid in stopping gum recession from starting by practising good oral health habits and scheduling routine dental visits.