What Causes Gum Recession?
Gum recession, often referred to as receding gums, is a common dental health issue that should never be ignored.
It happens when gum tissue pulls back from teeth, resulting in the exposure of roots underneath.
Genetics, poor oral hygiene, and various lifestyle choices can cause your gums to recede, and you shouldn’t delay visiting your dentist to prevent further damage.
Continue reading to learn what causes gum recession and how to treat it.
The Common Gum Recession Causes
One or more factors could be to blame for gum recession, such as poor oral health, aggressive tooth brushing, aging, and genetics.
A common culprit is gingivitis, which is the earliest stage of gum disease that is caused by poor oral health. A build-up of plaque bacteria will cause gum inflammation and, if ignored, your gums will start to recede.
If you fail to visit a dentist and care for your gum health, the recession could lead to additional dental issues.
For example, the gum may pull away from a tooth, causing additional plaque to develop in the pockets. As the pockets widen, gums recede further, and teeth may become loose.
Some people are more susceptible to gum disease than others, meaning they might develop the problem even if they follow good oral health practices.
Brushing your teeth too hard or incorrectly can damage tooth enamel, causing your gums to recede. Also, you may experience receding gums due to abnormal tooth positioning, teeth grinding, an injury or trauma to gum tissue, tongue or lip piercings, or smoking or chewing tobacco.
Women can be more vulnerable to gum recession and sensitivity due to changing hormones, too, as they commonly fluctuate during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause.
What are Gum Recession Symptoms?
Many people might fail to notice common signs of gum recession, but others might spot the following symptoms:
- Changing appearance of teeth, such as appearing longer and larger spaces between them
- Tooth root exposure
- Sensitivity to heat and cold
- Discomfort or pain near the gum line
- Sensitivity when brushing, flossing, or during dental cleanings
If receding gums are caused by gum disease, you may experience bleeding gums, bad breath, and swollen gums.
Never ignore signs of gum recession, as it can lead to additional issues, such as tooth decay, bone loss, tooth mobility, and tooth loss. Book an appointment with bafdentistry immediately to protect your oral health.
How Will a Dentist Diagnose Gum Recession?
Gum recession can be diagnosed during a routine dental examination. A dentist may use a periodontal probe to measure recession on each tooth.
As bone loss is typical with recession, they may measure periodontal pockets, too. 1 to 3 millimeters is common for healthy gums, 4 millimeters is common if you have gingivitis, and 5 millimeters or more is common with gum disease.
How to Prevent Gum Recession
If you are worried about sore gums, a changing appearance to your smile, and oral health issues, you must attempt to prevent receding gums.
The first step to take is to buy a soft-bristled toothbrush and use gentle strokes instead of aggressive brushing. Also, you must follow good oral hygiene practices, such as flossing and brushing your teeth twice daily.
Your lifestyle choices can impact your dental health. We strongly recommend eating a healthy, nutrient-rich diet, reducing alcohol consumption, and avoiding tobacco products, if applicable.
Visit your dentist every six months or more depending on your oral health needs, and don’t hesitate to discuss any worries you may have.
Can Receding Gums Grow Back?
Sadly, it isn’t possible for gums to grow back once they have receded. The good news is that you can take various steps to ease gum pain and prevent the problem from spiraling…
What are the Gum Recession Treatment Options?
Various gum recession treatment options are available and determined by the cause and severity of the oral health issue.
A dentist will likely recommend non-surgical treatments to treat mild cases, as they could be improved by:
- Topical antibiotics
- Dental bonding
- Orthodontics
However, if bone loss is significant and the pockets are too deep, gum grafting will be necessary to repair damage and protect your oral health.
The graft is typically taken from the roof of your mouth to replace missing gum tissue, and a dentist will use the best gum grafting procedure for your oral health.
For instance, a dentist may recommend:
- Open-flap scaling and root planing
- Regeneration
- A soft tissue graft
The thought of gum grafting might sound daunting, but modern procedures are now minimally invasive.
How Long is the Gum Grafting Recovery Time?
The gum grafting recovery time is determined by various factors, such as the grafting procedure and how many teeth were treated.
Most patients will feel back to their normal selves within two weeks. However, it is imperative to follow a surgeon’s postoperative instructions to the letter for a speedy and comfortable recovery.
What Questions Should I Ask During an Appointment?
As gum recession is a new experience, you might be unsure about the best questions to ask a dentist during an appointment.
The more you learn about gum recession and its causes, the easier it will be to care for your oral health.
For this reason, we recommend asking the following questions:
- How advanced are my receding gums?
- Do I qualify for any non-surgical treatments?
- What gum grafting surgery would you recommend and why?
- How can I stop gum recession in the future?
- How often should I book a professional dental cleaning?
Book an Appointment
Unhealthy gums can pose a serious risk to your oral health. In addition to causing considerable pain and discomfort on the gum line, you will have an increased risk of changes to your smile, tooth decay, and tooth loss.
Protect your dental health by scheduling an appointment at Biltmore Avenue Family Dentistry to discuss your oral health needs or concerns.
Following a thorough examination, we can identify if you have gum recession and provide the appropriate treatment option to effectively care for your teeth and gums and alleviate any pain or discomfort.