Why Does Gum Recession Occur?
Aggressively brushing teeth: If you brush your teeth, it might cause your gums to recede and the enamel on your teeth to wear away if done incorrectly or forcefully.
Insufficient dental care: Plaque can easily turn into calculus (tartar), a hard substance that forms on and between your teeth and can only be eliminated by a professional dental cleaning if not sufficiently cleaned with brushing, flossing, and antibacterial mouthwash.
Hormonal Changes: Gums might become more sensitive to gum recession due to fluctuations in female hormone levels during a woman’s lifetime, such as during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause.
Products containing tobacco: People who use tobacco products are more likely to develop gum-recession-causing sticky plaque on the teeth that is difficult to remove. Your gums may recede if you grind or clench your teeth, which exerts too much tension on the teeth.
Misaligned bite or crooked teeth: When teeth don’t fit together properly, too much pressure can be put on the bone and gums, causing the gums to recede.
What are the effects of gum recession?
Sensitivity: Sensitivity of the teeth is the most frequent consequence of gum recession. The tooth’s root, which is not shielded by strong enamel, is exposed as the gum tissue recedes, making the tooth more sensitive to hot, cold, sweet, and acidic foods and beverages.
Higher Chance of Decay: Compared to the portion of the tooth coated in enamel, the exposed root surface is more susceptible to decay. Cosmetic issues Receding gums can give the appearance that the teeth are longer than they are.
Root Abrasion: The exposed root surface is more vulnerable to abrasion from vigorous brushing or other reasons because it is softer than enamel.
Pocket Formation: Gum recession can cause pockets to develop between the gum line and the teeth.
Bacterial Buildup: Gaps created by gum recession can serve as a breeding environment for bacteria. If good oral hygiene isn’t maintained, this can worsen gum infections.
Jawbone Loss: Severe gum recession, particularly when associated with gum illnesses like periodontitis, can be a symptom of jawbone loss.
Potential Tooth Loss: In extreme situations, there is a higher chance of tooth loss as the gum tissue continues to recede and the teeth lose their supporting structure.
What are gum recession treatment options?
Scaling and root planning constitute deep cleaning. Plaque and tartar are removed from the afflicted area during this process, and the exposed root area is smoothed to avoid bacterial growth.
Gum Graft Procedures: Root exposure is most commonly treated with connective tissue grafts. The treatment involves cutting a flap of skin at the palate (roof of the mouth) and removing subepithelial connective tissue before sewing it to the gum tissue covering the exposed root.
Gingival grafts for free: This procedure employs tissue taken straight from the roof of the mouth, much like a connective-tissue graft.
Pedicle grafts: The gum surrounding or close to the tooth that needs repair is used as the source of the transplant rather than tissue from the palate.
Regeneration: Surgery to rebuild the lost bone and tissue may be advised if gum recession has compromised the bone supporting your teeth. It entails the application of a regenerative substance (such as a membrane, graft tissue, or tissue-stimulating protein) and the subsequent sealing of the area with a gum flap to stimulate your body to grow bone and tissue in that place spontaneously.
Changes in Lifestyle:
Avoiding tobacco use, treating bruxism (teeth grinding) using mouth guards, and having routine dental examinations can all help.
A dentist or periodontist (a specialist in gums) should be consulted to ascertain the origin and extent of the gum recession and to receive advice on the best course of action. Opt for a highly-rated Dentist Brighton offers for healthier smiles and boosted confidence levels.