Receding gums is a condition in which the gum tissue around the teeth wears away, or pulls back, exposing more of the tooth. This can happen for a number of reasons, including poor dental hygiene, gum disease, and aging. Receding gums can lead to tooth sensitivity and pain when eating or drinking hot or cold foods and beverages. In severe cases, receding gums can cause the teeth to become loose and eventually fall out. Treatment for receding gums depends on the severity of the condition.
If you’re concerned about your gums receding, you’re not alone since many people experience some degree of gum recession. While your gum line may not be something you think about on a daily basis, it’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of receding gums so you can take steps to prevent or treat the condition.
What causes Receding Gums?
1. Brushing Too Hard or Too Aggressively
Brushing too hard or too aggressively may cause receding gums because it can damage the tissue that supports the teeth and gums. Brushing too hard can also wear down the enamel on your teeth over time, which makes them more vulnerable to decay and other complications. It’s important to brush gently but thoroughly at least twice a day — morning and night — and floss daily to remove plaque from between your teeth where your toothbrush cannot reach.
2. Dental Plaque or Tartar Build-up
The leading causes of receding gums are poor dental hygiene and dental plaque build-up. Plaque is a sticky film that forms on your teeth when bacteria in your mouth combine with food particles. If you don’t clean your teeth regularly, plaque can build-up and cause gingivitis, which is an early form of gum disease.
Tartar is similar to plaque but harder and more firmly attached to the tooth. It’s made up of calcium, phosphate, and other minerals that form a rough coating on your teeth. Tartar forms when there’s a lot of plaque or if you don’t remove it regularly. This can lead to periodontitis, which is an advanced gum disease where the gums separate from the teeth and pockets form between them.
3. Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is an infection that affects the gums and bones around your teeth. It can lead to tooth loss if it’s not treated. The main symptoms are:
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums.
- Loose teeth.
- Bad breath (halitosis).
- Problems with chewing or biting.
4. Trauma or Injury to Your Gum Tissue
Trauma to the gum tissue can cause it to recede. Trauma may occur from oral surgery procedures such as tooth extraction. On the other hand, Injuries can cause small cuts in your gums, eventually becoming infected and leading to receding gums. The most common injuries are those that occur during sports and accidents.
5. Abnormal Tooth Positioning
Abnormal tooth positioning is one of the main causes of receding gums. When teeth are not positioned correctly, the gum tissue around the teeth is under constant stress. This can cause the gum tissue to break down and eventually recede. If you have misaligned teeth, consider getting them fixed by a professional with invisalign treatment.
6. Smoking or Chewing Tobacco
Smoking or chewing tobacco can cause receding gums. This is because the nicotine in tobacco products can reduce blood flow to the gums, which can then lead to gum tissue death. Additionally, the chemicals in tobacco can damage and break down gum tissue. Gum recession can eventually lead to tooth loss, so it is important to quit using tobacco products if you want to keep your teeth healthy.
7. Lip and Tongue Piercings
Lip and tongue piercings can cause gum recession. The constant rubbing of the jewellery against the gums can cause them to recede. Additionally, piercings can introduce bacteria into the mouth, which can lead to gum disease. If you have a piercing, it is important to take good care of your teeth and gums to prevent gum recession.
What are the Symptoms of Receding Gums?
If you have receding gums, it can lead to problems with your teeth and your bite. Your dentist may notice a change in the appearance of your gums when they examine them.
Symptoms of receding gums include:
- Sensitive Teeth
- A wider gap between the teeth
- The tooth seems to be longer.
- Discomfort along the gum line
- Bleeding after using a toothbrush and flossing
- Clearly receding gums
- Missing teeth
- Exposed tooth roots
- Difficulty chewing
- Continuous foul breath
How are Receding Gums Diagnosed?
A dentist can determine whether you have periodontal disease or receding gums. A physical examination can reveal problems. Gum pocket measurements can also be done with a probe. A painless method called a probe makes use of a little ruler. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research states that typical pocket dimensions fall between 1 and 3 millimetres. Gum disease can be detected by anything larger.
A periodontist may need to be consulted if gum recession are diagnosed.
How are Receding Gums Treated?
Medications
Medications can be a helpful way to treat receding gums. They can help to kill bacteria, reduce inflammation, and promote healing. Some of the medications that may help you with gum recession include:
- Topical antibiotic gel
- Antiseptic chips
- Antimicrobial mouthwash
- Enzyme suppressants
Of course, not all medications will work for everyone. It’s important to talk to your dentist or doctor about which option might be best for you. They will be able to take into account your individual situation and make a recommendation based on that.
Nonsurgical Treatments
Nonsurgical treatments can help to treat receding gums. There are a few options available to people suffering from this condition. These include going for tropical antibiotics, dental bonding, or orthodontic treatments. Surgery is not the only option available to treat this condition. With proper care, nonsurgical treatments can be just as effective.
Surgical Treatments
Surgical treatments like regeneration, soft tissue graft, open flap scaling and root planning can help to treat receding gums.
Regeneration is a surgical procedure that can help to treat gum recession. This procedure involves using artificial materials to stimulate the growth of new gum tissue.
Soft tissue grafts are another surgical option for treating gum recession. This procedure involves taking healthy gum tissue from another area of the mouth and transplanting it to the area of the mouth where the gum tissue has receded.
Open flap scaling and root planning is a surgical procedure that involves removing tartar and plaque build-up from the teeth and roots. This procedure can help improve the gums’ health and reduce inflammation.
How Can I Prevent Receding Gums?
In particular, you cannot always avoid receding gums if you have a hereditary predisposition to having weak gum tissues. The likelihood of infection-related gum recession can considerably decrease if you take good care of your teeth and gums. Consider this:
- You should brush your teeth twice a day.
- Every day, floss.
- Utilize an antibacterial mouthwash twice each day.
- Apply a toothbrush with a gentle bristle.
- Avoid smoking and chewing tobacco.
- Pay attention to your dentist’s advice regarding dental cleanings. (Most people can keep their gums healthy with six-month cleanings, but some may require more frequently scheduled appointments.)
Any indications of gum recession should prompt a visit to the dentist.
Can Receding Gums Grow Back Naturally?
Gums that are receding cannot regrow naturally. You’ll require a dentist’s assistance to get a healthy gum line once again. Natural remedies or foods don’t exist for receding gums. Therefore, be sure to visit a knowledgeable dentist if you experience symptoms of gum recession.
The sooner you go, the better chance you’ll have to recover and grin again. The doctor will examine you, diagnose you, and treat you accordingly. Keep in mind that good oral hygiene practices are essential for successful treatment.
Visit Coral Dental Care in Salem, MA to know more!
Searching for receding gums treatment in Salem, MA? Call us at 978-607-0110 to book an appointment with us at Coral Dental Care, LLC in Salem, MA.
Dr. Anu Isaac, DMD, runs a successful dental practice in Salem, MA. Dr. Isaac strives for quality on a daily basis and this commitment to quality is reflected in her constant pursuit of advanced training. Her firm belief that even experts need to stay updated about what’s new in the dental field, enables her to provide every patient with optimal oral care. As the founder of Coral Dental Care, she is dedicated to creating healthy, beautiful smiles for her patients and also to educating dental and non-dental community with her engaging articles on all things related to oral health, recent dental innovations, and latest treatment modalities.