Typical Reasons Why Patients Could Have Gum Recession and Ways To Manage It

ALL ABOUT YOUR GUMS
While your teeth are fundamental to how gorgeous your smile looks, your gums are just as important. This soft tissue surrounding your teeth is the substructure of your smile and serves the crucial purposes of securing your teeth in position and covering their vulnerable roots. Therefore, gum erosion is not simply an aesthetic problem; it is a worrisome oral health condition. If you want to keep your gums healthy, you have to be aware of the top contributing factors of gum recession. From there, you can alter your habits and oral health practices to defend against gum recession. However, if you already suffer from receding gums, there are numerous options for treatments that can assist in the restoration of your gumline. At MINT dentistry in DeSoto, our skilled staff of dental professionals offers both preventive care as well as several interventions for gum recession, which are chosen based on the cause of your gum erosion. Continue reading to discover more about receding gums, the causes, and frequently used treatment methods. Local individuals who are concerned about the health of their gums and would like to keep their teeth and gums looking amazing are invited to schedule an oral health examination with a dentist in DeSoto, TX.

WHY YOU SHOULD WORRY ABOUT GUM RECESSION
A receding gumline happens when the delicate gumline begins to slowly disappear along the teeth. More and more of the tooth becomes visible until, gradually, the sensitive roots are also exposed. Gum recession generally does not develop overnight. Often, you'll begin to develop symptoms like inflamed and sore gums that bleed for no reason. Pus along your gumline and chronic bad breath (halitosis) are also signs that are likely to develop before gum recession. When you see any of them, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist in DeSoto, TX right away. If receding gums are ignored, your teeth can start to become loose or fall out, since the gums aren't strong enough to keep them in place.

LEADING CAUSES OF RECEDING GUMS
Unfortunately, receding gums are not an unusual dental issue, particularly for those past 40 years old. There are a lot of different causes of gum recession, which can assist your dentist in determining how to treat yours. Several of the most common causes of gum recession are:

• HORMONE CHANGES
  The shifting hormones that females experience during puberty, while pregnant, and all the way through menopause can lead to intensified gum swelling and redness and heightened soreness. It is especially important to be aware of gingivitis during pregnancy because it might negatively impact the health of both the expecting mom and the baby.
• CIGARETTES, CIGARS, AND VAPING
  The poisonous chemicals in tobacco products can weaken your gums. In addition, though they don't have tobacco, the gooey elements in e-cigarettes and vaping liquid can also be harmful. Get help with quitting tobacco with your general practitioner and then visit your dental practitioner to learn about ways to enhance your oral health.
• POOR DENTAL HYGIENE
  Neglecting to floss and brush after eating allows food remnants and plaque to build up along your gums, which can lead to periodontal (gum) disease. Gum disease is a leading reason that patients start to develop gum recession. Flossing is especially critical in eliminating buildup from your gumline and stimulating blood circulation.
• HEREDITY
  Your genes could predispose you to receding gums, which means it will be more critical to pay attention to your oral health. Ask if any family members have dealt with periodontal disease and then let your dentist know.
• BRUSHING YOUR TEETH TOO MUCH
  Even though it might sound counterintuitive, brushing your teeth too much can also be a cause of receding gums. Brushing too often and too harshly eventually eats away at the soft tissue. All dentists recommend using a soft-bristled toothbrush when you brush your teeth and massage your gums.
• PERIODONTAL DISEASE
  The top reason behind gum recession is periodontitis, the latest phase of periodontal disease. This infection in your soft tissue will likely lead to gum recession if not correctly treated.
• GRINDING AND CLENCHING YOUR TEETH
  Many people clench their jaws and/or grind their teeth if they are concentrating during the day or as they sleep (nocturnal bruxism). The intensity of grinding and clenching erodes your teeth and gums.
• MISALIGNED BITES OR CROOKED TEETH
  Like with bruxism, crooked teeth and a misaligned bite (dental malocclusion) can put extra weight on your jaws, teeth, and gums. Arrange a visit with your dental practitioner in DeSoto, TX to discuss dental options like Invisalign to safely move your teeth into the proper alignment.

METHODS OF TREATING RECEDING GUMS
To decide on the most appropriate treatment for your receding gums, your dental practitioner will first have to diagnose the cause. Gum erosion caused by gum disease will be treated in relation to how serious your gum disease is. For men and women who have the first stage of periodontal disease, called gingivitis, dentists typically perform a number of scaling and root planing (SRP) treatments. A nonsurgical deep-cleaning method, SRP therapy scrapes away the buildup inside your gum pockets and polishes away pits in the enamel to prevent future accumulation. If SRP therapy is not sufficient to restore your oral health, or if you have the next stage of gum disease (periodontitis), your dental practitioner can possibly perform periodontal surgery, or he or she might refer you to an oral surgeon. During gum surgery, incisions will be made in your gum tissue to reach farther into your gum pockets and remove buildup on your tooth roots. SRP therapy and periodontal surgery are often accompanied by a round of antibiotics to clear any surviving bacteria. Following SRP treatment or gum surgery, your dental practitioner will allow some time for your gums to get better and regenerate on their own. If your gumline is still insufficient, gum graft surgery can be performed. Gingival grafts generally utilize tissue from different places in your mouth, for example, your roof palate, to supplement the tissue where required on your gumline. Synthetic and donor grafts can also be used for individuals who don't have adequate tissue to build a healthy gumline. After you have recovered from gingival grafting, it is vital that you follow a good home oral hygiene routine and schedule regular visits with your dental practitioner in DeSoto, TX for yearly dental checkups and biannual professional cleanings.

REHABILITATE YOUR GUMLINE
Your gums are vital to your general dental health, so you need to maintain your gums in order to achieve a brilliant, healthy smile. Set up a tooth and gum exam with a dentist if you have questions about gum disease or receding gums. At MINT dentistry in DeSoto, our experienced staff of dental professionals provides diagnoses and effective treatment options for receding gums, including SRP therapy, gum surgery, and gingival grafting. Reach out to our office in DeSoto, TX to set up consultations for your entire family.