Receding gums or gum recession occurs when the gum tissues covering your teeth deteriorate or are pulled back due to bacteria. When this happens, your teeth are exposed and become extra sensitive.
If left untreated, this advances to the next level, exposing your tooth roots. Since the condition is highly critical, you need a gum disease specialist to immediately act on it and prevent further complications.
What Do Receding Gums Look Like?
Gum recession usually occurs when there are gaps between your gum and teeth. This could allow bacteria to enter the area and might result in gum disease. Since the condition is gradual, you might not know there is an issue until it has reached an advanced stage of gum disease.
A common way, however, to identify receding gums is by observing the gum tissues surrounding each tooth. If the height of your gum tissue varies or you notice the gum tissue surrounding your teeth swollen or red, it may be a potential sign of gum recession.
This common condition may also have the following characteristics:
- Tooth Sensitivity
- Longer Teeth
- Notch at the Gum Line
When this occurs, your focus should be identifying the causes of gum recession and consulting a periodontist to treat receding gums.
What are the Causes of the Gum Recession?
The common causes that may lead to receding gums include:
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Gum Disease:
Gum diseases, including gingivitis or periodontitis, can cause your gums to recede. This usually occurs when plaque and bacteria build up on your teeth and gums. This continuous buildup damages your gums and pulls them back to create pockets between your teeth and gums. The pocket formation is more harmful as it allows bacteria to enter and lead to infection.
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Smoking:
Any form of tobacco or smoking can cause plaque to develop on your teeth. This plaque development further causes inflammation and, eventually, gum recession.
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Family History:
If you have a family history of gum recession, you will likely be affected at some point.
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Aggressive Brushing:
Many people think applying additional pressure may help in cleaning, but brushing too hard can wear out your gums and cause them to recede.
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Medications:
Certain medications may make your mouth dry. A dry mouth is more prone to bacterial infection, which may eventually cause gum recession.
What are the Symptoms of Gum Recession?
In general, a gum recession may show the following symptoms:
- Persistent bad breath
- Red and swollen gums
- Bleeding after brushing or flossing
- Pain at the gum line
- Shrinking gums
- Exposed tooth roots
- Loose teeth
How is Gum Recession Treated?
Depending on your condition or causes of gum recession, it may be treated in one of the following ways:
- Deep Cleaning: Deep cleaning, or root scaling and planning, is a procedure to remove plaque and tartar from teeth. This process helps to prevent and treat gum disease by allowing the gums to reattach to the teeth. It is often recommended for patients with significant tartar buildup or early signs of gum disease.
- Scaling: During this procedure, a periodontist cleans the surface of teeth and the area surrounding the gumline, reducing swelling.
- Root Planning: Your periodontist will clean the root surface thoroughly and remove rough spots on your teeth that may likely collect bacteria.
- Surgery: In advanced stages, your periodontist may recommend surgery. The surgery will involve any of the following:
- Gum Flap Surgery, called pocket reduction surgery, involves lifting your gum tissues to clean the area beneath and sewing them back in place. This ensures that your tooth roots are cleaned even in areas where your toothbrush and floss cannot reach.
- Soft Tissue Grafting: During this procedure, your periodontist removes tissue from another part of the mouth and places it on the receding gums to provide strength and support.
- Bone Grafting: Gum recession may also lead to bone loss. In such cases, you may require bone grafting. This involves placing an artificial bone around the tooth root to make it grow and provide stability.
- Medications: Alternatively, your periodontist may save your teeth and gums from infection with certain medicines. This may include antibiotic gels, mouthwashes, or enzyme suppressants.
How to Stop Receding Gums?
The best way to prevent gum recession is to practice good oral hygiene. Brush your teeth daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush, preferably with fluoride toothpaste. In addition, visit your dentist at least twice a year for dental checkups and professional cleaning.
Besides these, it is advisable to avoid:
- Smoking or tobacco use can exacerbate gum recession.
- Teeth grinding can contribute to gum recession and dental issues.
- Consuming junk food or hard foods may damage teeth and gums over time.
To Sum It Up
Gum recession, if left untreated early, can lead to further complications. If you notice any change in how your teeth or gums look or notice abrupt sensitivity, visit a periodontist as soon as possible.
Stay proactive about your oral health!
At Periodontal Specialists, our experienced team is dedicated to providing top-tier care for all your periodontal needs. We offer personalized treatment plans to ensure oral health is in the best hands.
Schedule your appointment and take the first step towards a healthier smile.
