What Causes Gum Recession?
If you begin to notice your gums pulling back from the roots of your teeth then this is an indication that you are experiencing gum recession.
So what causes gum recession? There are many reasons for gum recession which include:
family genetics, tobacco use, misalignment of your bite, teeth girding, hormonal changes, inadequate dental hygiene, and even body piercing.
When gum tissue starts to pull away from the teeth that is a clear indication of gum disease. It is important to point out that once you have gum recession the gums do not grow back and therefore it is important to seek treatment right away or you could wind up losing your teeth altogether.
The problem with gum recession is that it is a slow process and happens over a long period of time so it can be hard for people to realize that they even have gum disease.
So let’s take a closer look at some of the causes of the recession of gums.
Periodontal Disease is basically a bacterial infection that not only destroys the gum tissue but also the bone that supports the gums.
Genetics can play a large role in this problem. No matter how well they take care of their teeth or how many visits they make to the dentist, they have a predisposed condition of gum disease because of their genes.
The way in which a person brushes their teeth can also have a huge impact on the health of their gums. If they brush too hard or by using an inadequate brushing technique, they can actually wear down the tooth enamel.
Excessive plaque can start to build up if you are not brushing and flossing your teeth on a regular basis. This build-up of plaque can cause gum disease which will cause the gums to reseed.
Women have an increased level of risk due to hormonal changes throughout their lives. Changing hormonal levels can make the gums sensitive which causes gum recession.
Smokers also have an increased risk. The use of tobacco will cause more plaque to build up than normal which can lead to gum disease and reseeding gums.
If you are a person that grinds your teeth at night you might have an increased risk of this problem as well due to the fact that grinding or clenching your teeth can cause teeth to shift which can create gum disease.
People who display body piercing are also at risk. The jewelry that goes along with lip and tongue piercing can create irritation to the gums and over time can wear them down.
Treatment Options For Gum Disease
One of the most common forms of treatment for this disease is a professional deep cleaning which not only removes the plaque buildup around the surfaces of the teeth but also goes deep below the gum line to clean the surface of the roots. Often times a prescription for antibiotics is included in this treatment so as to reduce harmful bacteria that remain in the place between your teeth and gums.
With gum recession caused by periodontal disease, oftentimes gum surgery is required to repair the damage.
A gum specialist will open up the gums, fold back the gum tissue, and then begin to remove bacteria from the pockets. Once that procedure is accomplished a regenerative material can be used to promote bone and tissue regeneration.
How To Prevent Gum Recession
Daily brushing and flossing combined with frequent visits to the dentist will go a long way in preventing gum recession. But you can also decrease your risk by not smoking, eating a balanced and healthy diet and by using a soft-bristled toothbrush or a Sonicare toothbrush. It is also a good idea to fix any misaligned bite or teeth grinding issues. Be sure to monitor any changes that take place in your mouth and schedule a visit to see us soon.