Top Reasons Why Patients Might Develop Gum Recession and Ways To Treat It

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT YOUR GUMS
Even though your teeth are a huge factor in how brilliant your smile is, your gums are just as important. This remarkable tissue surrounding your teeth is the basis for your smile and performs the crucial purposes of holding your teeth in position and sheltering their sensitive roots. Therefore, gum recession is more than just an aesthetic problem; it is a serious dental condition. In order to keep your gums in good health, you must know the leading causes of gum recession. With that knowledge, you can alter your lifestyle and oral health routine to protect yourself from gum recession. Plus, if you already have receding gums, there are several options for treatments that can help in healing your gumline. At MINT dentistry in Mesquite, our knowledgeable staff of dental professionals performs both preventive care and the most effective interventions for gum recession, each of which is selected according to the reason behind your gum erosion. Read on to learn more about receding gums, the causes, and effective treatment methods. Local individuals who want to protect the health of their gums and wish to keep their teeth and gums looking amazing should set up an oral health assessment with their dentist in Mesquite, TX.

TOOTH LOSS AND GUM RECESSION
Gum recession occurs when the delicate gum tissue begins to withdraw from the teeth. More and more of the tooth becomes exposed until, gradually, the sensitive tooth roots are also exposed. Gum recession usually won't develop rapidly. Often, patients will start to notice symptoms like red, swollen, and tender gums that bleed while brushing and/or flossing. Pus at your gumline and consistent foul-smelling breath (halitosis) are also signs that often develop before receding gums. If you see any of them, it's important that you schedule a consultation with your dental practitioner in Mesquite, TX as soon as possible. If receding gums are ignored, your teeth could become loose and fall out because the gum tissues aren't healthy enough to keep them secured.

COMMON REASONS BEHIND GUM RECESSION
Regrettably, gum recession is a common dental problem, especially for those past the age of 40. There are several causes of receding gums, which should assist your dentist in choosing the best way to treat yours. A few of the most common causes of gum recession are:

• POOR DENTAL HYGIENE
  Choosing not to brush and floss after eating allows food debris and plaque to accumulate between your teeth, which can promote periodontal (gum) disease. Gum disease is a leading reason that people start to have gum recession. Flossing is especially important in eliminating this accumulation from your gumline and stimulating blood circulation.
• GENETICS
  Your DNA can make you vulnerable to gum recession, which means it will be more important to be vigilant about your oral health. Ask if your parents or siblings have had periodontal disease and then inform your dentist.
• BRUSHING TOO HARSHLY
  Even though it may seem strange, scrubbing your teeth too much can also be a cause of gum recession. Brushing too often and too harshly eventually wears down the soft tissue. All dentists recommend using a brush with soft bristles when you clean your teeth and massage your gums.
• GRINDING AND CLENCHING YOUR TEETH
  Numerous people grind their teeth and clench their jaws when they are anxious at work or as they sleep (nocturnal bruxism). The pressure of clenching and grinding can cause erosion of your teeth and oral soft tissue.
• MALOCCLUSION OR IRREGULARLY POSITIONED TEETH
  Similar to bruxism, crooked teeth and malocclusion (bite misalignment) can inflict extra weight on your jaws, teeth, and gums. Plan an appointment with your dental practitioner in Mesquite, TX to talk about dental treatments like Invisalign to gradually adjust your bite into the correct alignment.
• PERIODONTAL DISEASE
  The most common reason behind receding gums is periodontitis, the most advanced phase of gum disease. This disease in your soft tissue can lead to gum recession if not promptly treated.
• TOBACCO PRODUCTS
  The unhealthy chemicals in all tobacco products can damage your gums. Further, though they don't include tobacco, the sticky elements in vape pens and electronic cigarettes are also harmful. Get help with quitting tobacco with your general practitioner and then visit your dentist to learn about your options to restore your oral health.
• HORMONE CHANGES
  The surges in hormones that women have during adolescence, while pregnant, and all the way through menopause can cause worsening gum inflammation as well as elevated tenderness. It is especially important to protect yourself from gingivitis during pregnancy, since it may negatively impact the health of both the expecting mom and the baby.

YOUR CHOICES FOR TREATING GUM RECESSION
To figure out the correct treatment for your receding gums, your dentist will have to locate the cause. Gum erosion caused by gum disease will be treated in relation to how advanced your condition is. For people who have the first stage of periodontal disease, commonly known as gingivitis, dentists typically perform several scaling and root planing (SRP) sessions. A very common procedure, SRP therapy removes the accumulated plaque from your gum pockets and polishes away pits in the enamel to protect against future buildup. If SRP therapy is not enough to improve the health of your gums, or if you have the more advanced stage of gum disease (periodontitis), your dental practitioner may perform periodontal surgery, or he or she may refer you to an oral surgeon. During this procedure, tiny, precise cuts will be created in your gums to reach deeper into your gum pockets and remove buildup on your tooth roots. SRP therapy and periodontal surgery are often followed by a round of prescription antibiotics to clear any leftover bacteria. Following SRP therapy or periodontal surgery, your dentist will allow some time for your gums to mend and regrow on their own. In the event that your gumline remains too high, gingival graft surgery can be performed. Gum grafts frequently take tissue from other areas of your mouth, such as your roof palate, to supplement the tissue where required on your gumline. Synthetic and donor grafts might also be used for those who don't have adequate tissue to build a proper gumline. Once you have healed from gum grafting, it is vital that you practice a consistent home oral hygiene regimen and attend regular appointments with your dental practitioner in Mesquite, TX for annual dental examinations and twice-yearly dental cleanings.

HEAL YOUR GUMS
Gum tissue is central to your overall oral well-being, so you need to be careful with your gums to maintain a stunning, pristine smile. Schedule a comprehensive oral evaluation with your dentist if you have questions about gum disease or gum recession. At MINT dentistry in Mesquite, our knowledgeable staff of dental professionals offers diagnoses and effective treatment options for gum recession, including SRP therapy, periodontal surgery, and gingival grafting. Call our practice in Mesquite, TX to set up appointments for your whole family.