Gum recession is one of the many dental problems that can lay hidden far longer than it should—to a person’s detriment—from damage done by neglect says a dentist in Artesia, CA. It is also associated with a gradual loss of gum tissue leading to more tooth or root surface exposure that may result in dental hypersensitivity, caries, and even exodontias. A healthy smile can still be found but not without learning the causes, recognizing the symptoms, and looking into treatment options.
What are the Common Causes of Gum Recession?
A wide variety of factors widely known to contribute significantly towards gum recession are listed alongside.
- Poor hygiene: The inadequacy of brushing and flossing the plague forms into tartar which helps to pull away from your teeth creating a space.
- Types of Bristles: You should use a soft-bristled toothbrush as often, because aggressive brushing may result in dental plaque on your gums.
- Genes: Certain people have a higher risk of gum disease and recession due to their genes.
- Gum Recession: It is caused by periodontal disease gum disease, which is a bacterial infection of the gum tissue and bone that support your teeth.
- Smoking: Using tobacco in any form — including cigarettes and chewing or dipping tobacco — damages gum tissue, which can lead to recession.
- Hormones Changes: Gums can become more sensitive during hormonal fluctuations, most commonly in pregnant women and people going through puberty or menopause.
- Abrasion: Excessive pressure against the teeth caused by clenching or grinding can cause recession on their own, as a lack of gum irritation may be found.
Treatment
1. Scaling and Root Planing
This deep cleaning effectively removes plaque and tartar that has accumulated below the gumline. The tooth roots are then cleaned and smoothed so that the gums can easily reattach to the teeth.
2. Gum Grafting
In advanced cases, a surgical gum graft may be necessary to remove healthy tissue from one part of the mouth (usually the palate) and attach it to the area in need. It serves to protect the roots, decrease sensitivity, and correct the aesthetics of gums.
3. Pinhole Surgical Technique
A minimally invasive alternative, the pinhole surgery offers a way to poke a small hole in your gum and maneuver it using specially designed dental instruments into place covering those exposed roots.
4. Regenerative Procedures
Some regenerative procedures such as bone grafts and tissue-stimulating proteins can encourage your body to regenerate any lost bone, restoring it up to the previous natural gum line.
5. Desensitizing Agents
Desensitizing agents can be applied to areas sensitive to gum recession. These agents aid in reducing sensitivity by the way that they block the transmission of sensations from the tooth surface to the nerve.
6. Orthodontics
In some cases, misaligned teeth, or an improper bite can also lead to gum recession as the pressure applied by the jaw is unevenly distributed. In this situation, orthodontic treatment may be beneficial in re-aligning and alleviating force from one side if it has been misplaced due to malocclusion treatments.
Gum recession is a dangerous dental problem that must be treated with care. Gum recession can be slowed, stopped, and even restored to a healthier level with good oral hygiene practices, early intervention on the part of your dental care provider, and an effective gum grafting treatment. If you notice any signs of gum recession, speak to your dentist as soon as possible so that they can review the best treatment options for you. Starting today you can take action to save your smile for years to come.
