Leading Reasons Why People Might Develop Gum Recession and Ways To Manage It

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT YOUR GUMS
Although your teeth are fundamental to how gorgeous your smile is, your gums are equally as important. This delicate tissue surrounding your teeth is the basis for your smile and serves the critical purposes of holding your teeth in position and guarding their sensitive roots. This is why gum erosion is not simply an aesthetic concern. It is a serious oral health condition. To keep your gums in good health, you need to know the most frequent causes of gum recession. Then, you can change your lifestyle and oral health routine to defend against gum recession. Also, if you currently suffer from receding gums, you have multiple options for procedures that can assist in restoring your gumline. At MINT dentistry in Terrell, our skilled staff of dental professionals offers both preventive care and many interventions for receding gums, which are selected according to the cause of your gum erosion. Read on to understand more about gum recession, the causes, and common treatment options. Area individuals who have questions about their gum health and would like to keep their teeth and gums looking gorgeous are invited to schedule an oral health evaluation with their dental practitioner in Terrell, TX.

THE DANGERS OF RECEDING GUMS
A receding gumline happens when the compromised gum tissue begins to withdraw from the teeth. An increasing amount of the tooth is exposed until, gradually, the tooth roots are also exposed. Gum recession generally does not occur rapidly. Often, patients will start to notice symptoms like inflamed and painful gums that bleed while brushing and/or flossing. Pus along your gumline and consistent foul-smelling breath (halitosis) are also indicators that often precede receding gums. In the event that you have any of them, you should schedule a consultation with your dentist in Terrell, TX as soon as possible. If receding gums are ignored, your teeth can loosen or fall out, since the gums can no longer keep them in place.

LEADING CAUSES OF GUM RECESSION
Regrettably, receding gums are not an uncommon dental problem, especially for those past 40 years old. There are numerous causes of receding gums, which can aid your dentist in deciding the best way to manage yours. A few of the most common reasons behind gum recession are:

• SMOKING OR CHEWING TOBACCO
  The poisonous chemicals in any tobacco products can damage your gums. In addition, while they don't include tobacco, the gooey ingredients in vape pens and electronic cigarettes are also harmful. Discuss tobacco cessation with your primary care physician and then visit your dental practitioner to go over ways to enhance your oral health.
• GENETICS
  Genetics can make you vulnerable to gum recession, which will make it more necessary to pay attention to your teeth and gums. Find out whether any close relatives have had gum disease and then tell your dental practitioner.
• POOR DENTAL HYGIENE
  Neglecting to brush and floss daily allows food remnants and plaque to accumulate between your teeth, which can promote gum (periodontal) disease. Gum disease is a leading reason that patients begin to have gum recession. Flossing is particularly crucial to eliminating buildup from your gums and stimulating blood circulation.
• BRUSHING TOO OFTEN
  While it may strike you as counterintuitive, scrubbing your teeth too much can also lead to gum recession. Brushing too often and too aggressively slowly eats away at the soft tissue. It's important to be using a brush with soft bristles to brush your teeth and massage your gums.
• HORMONAL FLUCTUATIONS
  The variations in hormones that women experience during adolescence, while pregnant, and all the way through menopause can cause worsening gum inflammation as well as elevated soreness. It is very important to be aware of gingivitis during pregnancy because it may negatively impact the health of the pregnant woman and the baby.
• BRUXISM
  Many people grind their teeth and clench their jaws if they are concentrating at work or while sleeping (nocturnal bruxism). The pressure of grinding and clenching eats away at your teeth and gums.
• PERIODONTAL DISEASE
  The most frequent cause of receding gums is periodontitis, the latest stage of gum disease. This infection in your gum tissue can cause gum recession if not correctly treated.
• MISALIGNED BITES OR UNEVEN TEETH
  Like with tooth grinding, uneven teeth and malocclusion (bite misalignment) can place extra pressure on your jaws, teeth, and gums. Plan an appointment with your dentist in Terrell, TX to learn about treatments like Invisalign to gradually move your bite into the proper alignment.

METHODS OF TREATING GUM EROSION
To choose the best treatment for your gum recession, your dentist will first need to diagnose the cause. Gum erosion caused by gum disease will be treated according to how advanced your case is. For individuals who present with the first stage of periodontal disease, commonly known as gingivitis, dentists usually recommend multiple scaling and root planing (SRP) treatments. A nonsurgical procedure, SRP therapy removes the accumulated plaque from your gum pockets and polishes away pits in the enamel to help avoid future accumulation. If SRP therapy is not sufficient to improve your oral health, or if you have the more advanced stage of gum disease referred to as periodontitis, your dental practitioner might perform gum surgery, or he or she might refer you to a periodontist. During gum surgery, tiny, precise cuts will be created in your gum tissue to penetrate deeper into your gum pockets and remove the plaque along your tooth roots. Both SRP treatments and gum surgery are usually followed by a round of prescription antibiotics to clear any surviving bacteria. After SRP therapy and gum surgery, your dental practitioner will allow some time for your gums to heal and regenerate on their own. In cases where your gumline remains too high, gum graft surgery can be performed. Gum grafts generally take tissue from different areas of your mouth, such as your roof palate, to add coverage where needed on your gumline. Synthetic and donor grafts might also be used for those who don't have enough tissue to create a robust gumline. After you have healed from periodontal plastic surgery, it is important to follow a careful home oral hygiene routine and have regular appointments with your dental practitioner in Terrell, TX for yearly dental examinations and twice-yearly dental cleanings.

RESTORE YOUR GUMLINE
Your gums are vital to your general oral health, so you need to maintain your gums in order to have an attractive, vibrant smile. Schedule a comprehensive oral checkup with your dentist if you are concerned about gum disease or gum recession. At MINT dentistry in Terrell, our skilled staff of dental professionals offers diagnoses and multiple treatment options for gum recession, including scaling and root planing, gum surgery, and gum grafting. Visit our office in Terrell, TX to set up exams for your family.