Frequent Causes Why Patients Might Develop Gum Recession and How To Prevent It

ALL ABOUT YOUR GUMS
While your teeth are a huge factor in how gorgeous your smile is, your gums are also important. This remarkable tissue in your mouth is the substructure of your smile and serves the important purposes of keeping your teeth in position and guarding their vulnerable roots. Therefore, gum recession is more pressing than an aesthetic problem; it is a significant oral health condition. In order to keep your gums in good health, you have to know the typical causes of gum recession. With that knowledge, you can adapt your habits and oral health regimen to stave off receding gums. Further, if you currently have receding gums, you have numerous options for treatments that can help in the restoration of your gumline. At MINT dentistry in Addison, our knowledgeable team of dental professionals provides both preventive care as well as several treatments for receding gums, which will be selected based on the reason behind your gum erosion. Continue reading to learn more about receding gums, the causes, and common treatment options. Area patients who are concerned about their gum health and wish to keep their teeth and gums looking attractive are invited to set up an oral health assessment with their dentist in Addison, TX.

TOOTH LOSS AND GUM RECESSION
A receding gumline happens when the delicate gum tissue begins to withdraw from the teeth. An increasing amount of the enamel is exposed until, gradually, the tooth roots are also bare. Gum recession generally does not happen quickly; first, you'll begin to notice symptoms such as red, swollen, and sore gums that bleed while brushing and/or flossing. Discharge at your gumline and chronic foul-smelling breath (halitosis) are also indicators that often precede receding gums. In the event that you notice any of these, it's important that you set up a consultation with your dental practitioner in Addison, TX as soon as possible. If gum recession is neglected, your teeth may start to loosen or fall out because the gum tissues aren't healthy enough to keep them in position.

COMMON CAUSES OF GUM RECESSION
Regrettably, gum recession is a common dental problem, especially for men and women past the age of 40. There are multiple causes of gum recession, which should assist your dentist in establishing the best way to manage yours. Several of the most frequently seen causes of receding gums are:

• INSUFFICIENT DENTAL CARE
  Choosing not to brush and floss daily causes food particles and plaque to accumulate between your teeth, which can lead to periodontal (gum) disease. Gum disease is a top reason that people begin to develop receding gums. Flossing is particularly crucial to removing this accumulation from your gums and encouraging blood circulation.
• GUM DISEASE
  The top reason behind gum recession is periodontitis, the latest stage of periodontal disease. This inflammation of your gum tissue might lead to gum recession if not promptly treated.
• CIGARETTES, CIGARS, AND VAPING
  The dangerous chemicals in all tobacco products can damage your gums. In addition, while they don't contain tobacco, the viscous formulas in vape pens and electronic cigarettes can also be harmful. Get help with quitting tobacco with your general practitioner and then see your dentist to discuss your options to enhance your oral health.
• BRUXISM
  Numerous people grind their teeth and clench their jaws if they are anxious during the day or as they sleep (nocturnal bruxism). The intensity of grinding and clenching wears down your teeth and gums.
• GENETICS
  Your genes might make you vulnerable to gum recession, which means it will be more necessary to take extra care of your teeth and gums. Find out whether your parents or siblings have suffered from periodontitis and then let your dentist know.
• MISALIGNED BITES OR IRREGULARLY POSITIONED TEETH
  Similar to tooth grinding, irregularly positioned teeth and a misaligned bite (dental malocclusion) can impose unnecessary weight on your jaws, teeth, and gums. Schedule an appointment with your dentist in Addison, TX to talk about options like Invisalign to safely adjust your bite into the correct position.
• BRUSHING TOO MUCH
  Though it might strike you as odd, brushing your teeth too much can also lead to gum recession. Brushing too often or too harshly slowly wears down the soft tissue. It's important to be using a brush with soft bristles to brush your teeth and gums.
• HORMONAL FLUCTUATIONS
  The variations in hormones that women go through during adolescence, pregnancy, and with menopause can cause advanced gum swelling and redness and increased sensitivity. It is quite important to be aware of pregnancy and periodontal disease, since it has the potential to negatively impact the health of both the pregnant woman and the infant.

YOUR CHOICES FOR TREATING GUM RECESSION
To figure out the most appropriate treatment for your gum recession, your dental practitioner will have to locate the cause. Gum deterioration caused by periodontal (gum) disease will be treated based on how advanced your condition is. For men and women who have the early stage of gum disease, called gingivitis, dentists often do several scaling and root planing (SRP) treatments. A noninvasive deep-cleaning method, SRP therapy eliminates the buildup inside your gum pockets and polishes away pits in the enamel to protect against future accumulation. If SRP therapy is not able to improve your gum health, or if you are experiencing the second stage of gum disease (periodontitis), your dental practitioner might perform gum surgery, or they might refer you to a gum specialist. During periodontal surgery, incisions will be made in your gum tissue to penetrate deeper into your gum pockets and clean any accumulation on your tooth roots. SRP therapy and gum surgery are generally followed by a round of prescription antibiotics to kill any persistent bacteria. Following SRP treatment or gum surgery, your dentist will wait a bit for your gums to heal and regrow. In the event that your gumline is still too recessed, periodontal plastic surgery can be done. Gingival grafts frequently take tissue from other areas of your mouth, for example, your roof palate, to supplement the tissue where necessary along your gumline. Man-made and donor grafts can also be used for individuals who don't have sufficient tissue to build a robust gumline. After you have healed from gum grafting, it is important to practice a good home oral hygiene regimen and have regular visits with your dental practitioner in Addison, TX for annual dental checkups and biannual dental cleanings.

IMPROVE THE HEALTH OF YOUR GUMS
Your gums are the foundation of your dental health, so it's necessary to be vigilant about your gums to maintain an attractive, vibrant smile. Set up a comprehensive oral analysis with a dentist if you have questions about periodontal disease or receding gums. At MINT dentistry in Addison, our experienced staff of dental professionals provides diagnoses and many treatment options for gum recession, including SRP therapy, gum surgery, and gingival grafting. Contact our facility in Addison, TX to schedule exams for your family.