Gingival recession, sometimes referred to as gum recession, is the condition where the gum tissues covering the teeth wear away, thus exposing more of the surface of the tooth or even the roots. It can be a precursor to many dental problems, including increased sensitivity of teeth, risk of more cavities, and eventually, loss of a tooth. Thus, it is quite essential to understand the causes, symptoms, and preventive measures for gingival recession to maintain optimal gum health.
What Do You Find to Cause the Gingival Recession?
There are several reasons why gingival recession happens. The most common ones include:
- Periodontal Disease: The most common cause of gum recession is periodontal disease, which is caused by a bacterial infection that destroys the gums and the supporting structures around the teeth. At times, when plaque forms and hardens into tartar, it causes inflammation and gum diseases, leading to gum recession.
- Genetics: Some people just have a natural, genetic tendency to recede gums. If someone in your family has had gum disease or recession, then you are more likely to have it as well.
- Aggressive Brushing: On the other hand, good oral hygiene is important but aggressive tooth brushing or use of a hard-bristled toothbrush can wear away at the gum tissue and cause recession.
- Hormonal Changes: Hormonal changes in the female body, brought about by puberty, pregnancy, and menopause, make gums more sensitive to recession.
- Tobacco Use: Smoking tobacco and the use of other tobacco products affect blood flow to the gums to some extent, resulting in unhealthy gums and increased susceptibility to gingival recession.
- Poor Oral Hygiene: Poor oral hygiene causes plaque accumulation leading to periodontal diseases that cause gum recession.
- Misaligned Teeth or Bite: Misaligned teeth or a bite that exerts excessive pressure on the teeth may cause gingival recession.
- Clenching or Grinding Teeth: The grinding of the teeth habitually tends to wear off the enamel and push them against the gums, causing a recession.
Symptoms of Gingival Recession
Symptoms of gingival recession may be observed quite early, thus averting further damage. Common symptoms include:
- Exposed Tooth Roots: The roots of the teeth are exposed due to the retraction of gums. This is aesthetically unacceptable.
- Increased Tooth Sensitivity: Your exposed teeth roots may make you extremely sensitive to hot or cold substances.
- Longer Appearing Teeth: The loss of gum tissue may cause the affected teeth to appear longer than they are.
- Gum Inflammation: Red, swollen gums signify an underlying problem with periodontal, which might be causing the gums to recede.
- Pocket Formation: In advanced cases, pockets may form between the teeth and gums that house bacteria and promote gingivitis.
Preventing Gingival Recession
Prevention is always better than treatment. Here are some preventive methods for your gums:
- Practice Good Oral Hygiene: By brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily to remove plaque buildup. Consider using a soft-bristled toothbrush to minimize irritation of your gums.
- Regular Dental Checkups: Regular dental visits will help you catch early signs of gum disease and recession. Your dentist can provide professional cleanings and personalized oral care recommendations.
- Avoid Tobacco Products: Quitting smoking and tobacco can improve your gum, especially in its health, and reduce the potential for recession.
- Be Gentle with Your Teeth: Do not brush abrasively. Instead, be gentle. You will need a soft-bristled toothbrush, and you should not press hard.
- Manage Your Bite: If you have crooked teeth or a bad bite that causes too much stress on your gums, ask your dentist to look into it. Your dentist might recommend orthodontic treatments or a night guard to reduce pressure on your gums.
- Address Hormonal Changes: You could experience hormonal changes due to pregnancy or menopause, among others. Discuss the best care for your mouth with your doctor to prevent gum problems.
- Stay Hydrated: Water intake should be sufficient to allow for the release of saliva, which helps in counteracting acids and assists in healthy preservation of the mouth.
- Nutrition Matters: A diet high in vitamins and minerals, with foods especially rich in vitamin C, can contribute to healthy gums. Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains help in fortifying your immunity and decrease the chances of gum disease.
Treatment Options for Gingival Recession
If the recession has occurred, several therapies can be applied:
- Scaling and Root Planing: It is a more deep cleaning than prophylaxis. With this, one removes the plaque and tartar from under the gumline and smoothens the root of the tooth to encourage healing.
- Gum Grafting: In case of a worse condition of receding gum line, you may require gum grafting. This involves taking tissue from the rest of the oral cavity, and moving the tissue to the receded gum area, thus filling up the gum coverage.
- Pinhole Surgical Technique: This minimally invasive procedure involves drilling a small hole in the gum tissue and putting the gums back over the exposed roots, which makes the recession less noticeable.
- Antimicrobial Treatments: Your dentist will prescribe an antimicrobial mouth rinse or gel for home use, which will control bacteria and make healing easier with the gums.
Conclusion
Gingival recession is one of the common dental issues bearing a large impact on oral health. Understanding the cause of gum recession, knowledge of signs of gum recession, and proper prevention procedures is an essential process toward healthy gums. Routine dental check-ups, good oral hygiene, and a balanced lifestyle can ensure preserving gum health and bless you with a robust, confident smile for a long. In case you suspect that your gums may have receded or feel any symptoms, then don’t hesitate to get in touch with your dentist to have them assessed and appropriate treatments.