When you have healthy gums, they´ll snug tightly around your teeth crown. But sometimes, gum tissue might pull back from your teeth, which is known as gum recession.
Receding gum tissue leaves the surface of your teeth (and sometimes its roots) further exposed. This makes your teeth more vulnerable to bacteria, tooth decay, and other external agents.
Oral healthcare professionals refer to this condition as periodontal disease. Also, some types of periodontal disease include periodontitis and gingivitis.
Do receding gums grow back? No, but though it´s an irreversible condition, there´re still ways you can reattach and restore gum tissue around your teeth.
Here, we´ll talk about everything there´s to know about receding gums. Its causes, treatment options, and ways to prevent it. Let´s begin!
Gum Recession: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention
Causes of Gum Recession
Gum recession´s produced by many causes, amongst which we can mention:
- Periodontal disease
- Incorrect brushing
- Teeth clenching/grinding (bruxism)
- Aging
- Injury
- Smoking
Treatment of Gum Recession
When gum recession´s caused by traumatic brushing, the first thing you can do is reevaluate your oral healthcare routines.
Always use a soft-bristled toothbrush (and replace it regularly). Likewise, switching from abrasive to sensitive-teeth toothpaste could help you prevent your gums from receding further.
Finally, keep up with your regular dental checkups and cleanings. Visiting your dentist at least twice a year helps prevent (and treat) gum recession.
However, depending on the underlying cause, your dentist might determine you require a more thorough treatment, such as:
Scaling and root planing
These procedures allow your dentist to remove tartar and plaque from below the gum line (the roots, in the case of root planning), where regular brushing´s unable to reach.
Afterwards (using special instruments), your dentist will smooth the roots. This will help reattach gum tissue to your teeth.
Gum graft surgery
In severe cases of gum recession, dentists might take a small portion of gum tissue elsewhere in your mouth. Then implant it to cover an exposed tooth root.
Gum graft surgery (GGS) helps prevent further gum recession. It also helps prevent bone loss and keeps tooth decay away from those previously exposed tooth roots.
Pinhole surgical technique
Used in mild-to-moderate gum recession cases. During pinhole surgical technique (PST), your dentist makes a small hole in your gum (just above the exposed root).
Then (by inserting a tool in this hole), your dentist will separate, stretch, and reposition the gum tissue until the exposed root´s been covered.
How to Prevent Gum Recession?
There´re multiple ways you can help prevent gum recession, including:
- Having good oral hygiene habits.
- Using a proper brushing technique.
- Wearing a mouthguard while sleeping (to counter bruxism).
- If you wear dentures, make sure they´re well-fitted.
- Periodically see your dentist for checkups and cleanings.
As said before, if gum tissue recedes, it can´t grow back. So, keeping a good oral healthcare routine and regular dental checkups are essential steps toward preserving your gums.
Gum recession is by no means a natural occurrence. Likewise, receding gums indicate further oral health issues, so early diagnosis is critical.
Whatever the cause, if you´re experiencing gum recession or are just concerned for your oral health. Feel free to call our office or contact us online!
Our dentist in Endeavour Hills in will gladly give you expert insight and advice on preventing, slowing, and stopping gum recession.
