Frequent Reasons People Might Develop Receding Gums and Ways To Prevent It

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT YOUR GUMS
Although your teeth are an important part of how gorgeous your smile looks, your gums are also important. This pink tissue in your mouth is the basis for your smile and serves the critical functions of keeping your teeth in place and sheltering their sensitive roots. This is why gum erosion is more than just a cosmetic issue; it is a serious oral health condition. In order to keep your gums in good health, you must be aware of the typical precursors to gum recession. From there, you can change your lifestyle and oral health routine to protect yourself from gum recession. Also, if you already suffer from receding gums, there are multiple options for treatments that can aid in maintaining your gumline. At MINT dentistry, our skilled team of dental professionals performs both preventive care and several treatments for gum recession, which are selected depending on the reason behind your gum recession. Read on to learn more about receding gums, the causes, and frequently used treatment methods. Area patients who want to ensure their gum health and would like to keep their teeth and gums looking gorgeous should schedule an oral health examination with their dental practitioner in Dallas and Houston, TX.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT GUM RECESSION
A receding gumline occurs when the compromised gum line begins to shrink away from the teeth. More and more of the enamel is visible until, over time, the tooth roots are also exposed. Gum recession usually won't develop quickly. Often, you'll begin to develop symptoms like inflamed and tender gums that bleed easily. Pus along your gumline and consistent bad breath (halitosis) are also symptoms that typically precede receding gums. When you notice any of these, please set up an appointment with your dental practitioner in Dallas and Houston, TX as soon as possible. If gum recession is ignored, your teeth might loosen or fall out because the gums aren't able to keep them in position.

LEADING REASONS BEHIND GUM RECESSION
Sadly, receding gums are not an uncommon dental problem, particularly for those over 40 years old. There are numerous causes of receding gums, which can help your dentist in determining the best way to manage yours. A few of the most frequently seen reasons behind gum recession are:

• PERIODONTAL DISEASE
  The most common reason behind gum recession is periodontitis, the latest stage of gum disease. This inflammation of your gum tissue can cause gum recession if not promptly treated.
• BRUSHING TOO HARSHLY
  While it might sound unusual, scrubbing your teeth too much can also be a cause of receding gums. Brushing too much or too hard gradually wears down the soft tissue. You should be using a soft-bristled toothbrush to brush your teeth and gums.
• HEREDITY
  Hereditary factors might predispose you to gum recession, which means it will be more important to be vigilant about your teeth and gums. Find out whether any close relatives have had gum disease and then tell your dental practitioner.
• SMOKING OR CHEWING TOBACCO
  The unhealthy chemicals in tobacco products can damage your gums. In addition, though they don't have tobacco, the viscous ingredients in vape pens and electronic cigarettes can also be dangerous. Get help with quitting tobacco with your doctor and then make an appointment with your dentist to go over ways to bring back your oral health.
• MISALIGNED BITES OR IRREGULARLY POSITIONED TEETH
  As with tooth grinding, crooked teeth and a misaligned bite (dental malocclusion) can impose unnecessary weight on your teeth, gums, and jawbone. Plan an appointment with your dentist in Dallas and Houston, TX to learn about options like Invisalign to gradually move your bite into the correct position.
• CLENCHING OR GRINDING TEETH
  Many people grind their teeth and clench their jaws if they are anxious during the day or while sleeping (nocturnal bruxism). The force of grinding and clenching eats away at your teeth and gums.
• HORMONAL FLUCTUATIONS
  The surges in hormones that females experience during puberty, pregnancy, and throughout menopause can trigger intensified gum inflammation and elevated discomfort. It is especially important to prevent pregnancy gingivitis because it might affect the health of both the pregnant woman and the child.
• INSUFFICIENT DENTAL HYGIENE
  Failing to floss and brush daily causes food detritus and plaque to build up along your gums, which can cause periodontal (gum) disease. Periodontal disease is a leading reason that people start to develop gum recession. Flossing is especially important in eliminating this accumulation from your gums and promoting blood circulation.

YOUR CHOICES FOR MANAGING RECEDING GUMS
To determine the best treatment for your receding gums, your dentist will first have to diagnose the cause. Gum deterioration caused by gum disease will be treated according to how serious your condition is. For men and women who present with the early stage of periodontal disease, referred to as gingivitis, dentists often perform multiple scaling and root planing (SRP) sessions. A nonsurgical procedure, SRP therapy eliminates the accumulated plaque inside your gum pockets and evens out the enamel to protect against future buildup. If SRP deep cleaning is not sufficient to restore your oral health, or if you are experiencing the next stage of gum disease (periodontitis), your dentist might perform periodontal surgery, or he or she may refer you to a periodontist. During periodontal surgery, tiny, precise cuts will be created in your gums to enter farther into your gum pockets and clean any accumulation on your tooth roots. SRP therapy and gum surgery are typically followed by a round of prescription antibiotics to clear any remaining bacteria. Following SRP therapy and gum surgery, your dental practitioner will allow some time for your gums to heal and regenerate. In cases where your gumline remains too high, periodontal plastic surgery can be performed. Periodontal plastic surgeries usually utilize tissue from other places in your mouth, such as the roof of your mouth, to increase tissue where necessary on your gumline. Man-made and donor grafts may also be used for patients who don't have sufficient tissue to create a healthy gumline. Once you have healed from gingival grafting, it is important to follow a careful home oral hygiene routine and attend regular visits with your dentist in Dallas and Houston, TX for yearly dental examinations and biannual professional cleanings.

BRING BACK YOUR GUMS
Gum tissue is the basis for your overall oral well-being, so you need to maintain your gums to have a stunning, pristine smile. Set up an oral health analysis with your dentist if you are concerned about gum disease or receding gums. At MINT dentistry, our experienced team of dental professionals offers diagnoses and many treatment options for gum recession, including SRP therapy, periodontal surgery, and gingival grafting. Visit our practice in Dallas and Houston, TX to set up appointments for your whole family.