Have you noticed that your gums have started to pull up from your teeth, therefore showing more of the surface of the tooth? Well, you are not alone. Receding gums is a very common condition; however, it shouldn’t be neglected.
The same, but at Enhance Dental Clinic, we see quite a volume of patients who don’t realize how grave the recession of the gum is until they feel sensitivity, pain, or looseness of the teeth. The good news? Early treatment can save you from serious complications. Here’s what you need to know before it gets worse.
What Causes Receding Gums?
Gum recession occurs gradually, so it is easy to overlook in its early stages. Several factors contribute to this condition, including
- Poor oral hygiene: Not flossing and brushing ineffectively allows plaque formation, which inflames the gums and thereby causes gum disease—now recognized as one of the leading causes of recession.
- Overbrushing: Ironically, it is an overuse of the brush that will slowly degenerate the gum tissue over time.
- Periodontal Disease: It is one of the major causes of recession in gums. This disease attacks the gum tissue and the bone that holds your teeth—where the gums recede.
- Genetics: Genetic conditions make some people more prone to gum recession.
- Changes in Hormone Levels: Changes in hormone levels can make the gums more sensitive. This is evident mainly in women during pregnancy and menopause.
- Teeth Grinding: Grinding or clenching of the teeth may cause excessive pressure on the gums and hence cause them to recede over time.
- Tobacco Products Use– Smoking elicits plaque formation and alters the wound-healing potential of the gingiva.
Signs and Symptoms of Gum Recession
Since gum recession develops slowly, you may not be aware of its development. Look for these warning signs:
- Sensitivities: You might experience pains when consuming hot, cold, or sweet foods if the roots of the teeth are exposed.
- Longer-Looking Teeth: If more of the teeth are exposed, it can be a sign of gum recession.
- Bleeding or Swollen Gums: That can be an indication of gum disease, which causes the recession.
- Loose Teeth: Advanced gum recession can undermine the support for your teeth so that they can become loose, or even cause loss of a tooth.
Prevention and Treatment of Receding Gums
We “lead the way” in the care for receding gums at Enhance Dental Clinic. The treatment depends upon the severity of the condition.
Non-Surgical Treatments
- Improved Oral Hygiene: Cleaning with a soft-bristled toothbrush and appropriate technique can prevent the progression of this condition.
- Deep Cleaning, Scaling, and Root Planing: This, therefore, is a professional treatment to remove calculus and plaque under the gumline, thus reducing inflammation and slowing down recession.
- Mouthguards for Bruxism: In the case of bruxism, there can be a custom-made appliance, usually a mouthguard, used to protect mucosal surfaces.
Surgical Treatments for Severe Cases
- Gum Grafting: A piece of the other side of the mouth is harvested and then grafted onto where the gum is receding to replace the lost gum coverage.
- Pinhole Surgical Technique: It is a minimal invasive procedure in which the gums can be repositioned without grafting.
- Regenerative Procedures: If the disease has caused loss of bone, then the regenerative treatment is advised to regenerate the supporting structures anew.
Why You Should Act Now
Gum recession, if left unattended, can degenerate into severe complications, e.g., tooth loss. Lost gum tissue is not regrown3 and it is of utmost importance to timely treat dental problems. The earlier you wait, the harder and more expensive your treatment will be.
Specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of gum recession with new, state-of-the-art solutions, tailor-made for your needs here at Enhance Dental Clinic, be it deep cleaning, gum grafting, or preventive care; our team will be with you to make sure that you regain your good oral health and confidence. Do not wait until it is late. Book your appointment now and start your way to better gums