Gum recession is the process in which the margin of the gum tissue that surrounds the teeth wears away, or pulls back, exposing more of the tooth, or the tooth's root. If left untreated, the supporting tissue and bone structures of the teeth can be severely damaged, and may ultimately result in tooth loss. How to prevent this? Keep reading.
Gum recession is the process in which the margin of the gum tissue that surrounds the teeth wears away, or pulls back, exposing more of the tooth, or the tooth's root. When gum recession occurs, 'pockets,' or gaps, form between the teeth and gum line, making it easy for disease-causing bacteria to build up.
If left untreated, the supporting tissue and bone structures of the teeth can be severely damaged, and may ultimately result in tooth loss.
Gum recession is a common dental problem. Most people don't know they have gum recession because it occurs gradually. The first sign of gum recession is usually tooth sensitivity.
What are the causes of gum recession?
There are a number of factors that can cause your gums to recede, including:
Periodontal diseases: Gum disease is the main cause of gum recession. These are bacterial gum infections that destroy gum tissue and supporting bone that hold your teeth in place.
Your genes: Some people may be more susceptible to gum disease because of a genetic predisposition, regardless of how well they care for their teeth.
Aggressive tooth brushing: If you brush your teeth too hard or the wrong way, it can cause the enamel on your teeth to wear away and your gums to recede.
Insufficient dental care:Inadequate brushing, flossing, and rinsing with antibacterial mouthwash makes it easy for plaque to turn into calculus (tartar) that if not removed by a professional dental cleaning, It can lead to gum recession.
Hormonal changes: Fluctuations in female hormone levels during a woman's lifetime, such as in puberty, pregnancy, and menopause, can make gums more sensitive and more vulnerable to gum recession.
Grinding and clenching your teeth: Clenching or grinding your teeth can put too much force on the teeth, causing gums to recede.
Crooked teeth or a misaligned bite: When teeth do not come together evenly, too much force can be placed on the gums and bone, allowing gums to recede.
Body piercing of the lip or tongue: Jewelry can rub the gums and irritate them to the point that gum tissue is worn away.
Receding gums treatment
Mild gum recession may be able to be treated by your dentist by deep cleaning the affected area. During the deep cleaning plaque and tartar that has built up on the teeth and root surfaces below the gum line is carefully removed and the exposed root area is smoothed to make it more difficult for bacteria to attach itself.
If your gum recession is more extensive because of excess loss of bone and pockets that are too deep, gum surgery may be required to repair the damage caused by gum recession.
These surgical treatments includes from open flap scaling and root planing where the dentist or periodontist (gum doctor) folds back the affected gum tissue, removes the harmful bacteria from the pockets, and then snugly secures the gum tissue in place over the tooth root, thus eliminating the pockets or reducing their size.
In cases where the bone supporting your teeth has been destroyed as a result of gum recession, a procedure to regenerate lost bone and tissue may be recommended.
There are several types of gum tissue graft procedures, but the most commonly used one is called a connective tissue graft. In this procedure, a flap of skin is cut at the roof of your mouth (palate) and then stitched to the gum tissue surrounding the exposed root.
Preventing gum recession
The best way to prevent gum recession is to take good care of your mouth. Brush and floss your teeth every day and see your dentist or periodontist at least twice a year, or as recommended.
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