Gum Recession
Gum recession also known as receding gums, occurs when the tissues around the teeth start to recede/pull back.
Gum Recession
Gum recession also known as receding gums, occurs when the tissues around the teeth start to recede/pull back.
Gum recession also known as
receding gums, occurs when the tissues around the teeth start to recede/pull back. In this case the teeth look bigger and might be sensitive as the roots get exposed. Usually recession of gum is left unnoticed by most of the people as it happens gradually and feels no pain/sensitivity in the early stages.
Once the gums recede, they will not grow back on their own. Proper treatment and preventive measures are needed to prevent further damage of gum tissues. If you ignore visiting a dentist for a treatment you may end up losing your teeth.
Key causes for gum recession include:
- Poor Dental Hygiene: When you do not brush and floss your teeth regularly, excessive plaque buildup can lead to bacterial infection called gum disease/periodontal disease, can destroy gum tissue and supporting bone.
- Tooth Brushing Technique: Usage of hard bristle brushes, aggressive brushing technique, over brushing can cause pressure over soft tissues leading to gum recession.
- Genetics: Some people simply develop gum disease, no matter how good they take care of their oral hygiene routine.
- Hormonal Imbalance: Change in hormonal level in women can make the gums more sensitive and have high risk to develop receding gums.
- Smoking and Tobacco chewing: These products can cause plaque formation, which becomes difficult to remove without professional teeth clean.
- Bruxism: Habits like grinding /clenching of the teeth applies too much pressure on the teeth and cause gum recession.
- Occlusal misalignment: If your teeth do not have an even bite or if you have crooked teeth, there can be some extra pressure on certain tissue and bone area, which can eventually lead to gum recession.
- Physical factors: If you have your lips or tongues pierced, the oral jewelry could irritate your gums and cause them to wear down.
Signs and Symptoms:
Symptoms may vary depending on the cause and severity of the condition.
Early stage includes:
- Bleeding after brushing/flossing.
- Long teeth.
- Sensitivity to cold/hot due to root exposure.
- Increased spacing between the teeth.
- Red inflamed gums.
- Bad breath.
- Root discoloration.
- Gum line pain.
More advanced stage includes:
- Root surface decay.
- Mobile/loose permanent teeth.
The gum recession is a serious condition which needs immediate treatment. So do not regret consulting a dentist if you have any of those above conditions.
Risk Factors for developing recession:
- Aging, people older than 65 years.
- Smoking/ tobacco chewing.
- Due to genetic reasons.
- Diabetes.
Treatment:
Gum recession can be treated in a couple of different ways according to the severity of the condition.
Most cases of mild gum recession do not need a treatment, guidance about the effective and gentle brushing techniques will be helpful to achieve back the health gums and also prevents further damage.
However, moderate to severe cases have several options available:
- Scaling and root planing is one of the most essential treatments that a dentist mostly recommends. They remove the plaque and tartar present below the gum line. Antibiotics may be given at the end of these procedures to get rid of any remaining harmful bacteria.
- Desensitizing agents are used to reduce the sensitivity of the exposed tooth root which helps to brush the sensitive teeth.
- Restoration: A tooth-colored composite resin is placed over the surface of the root to fill the gaps between teeth. Pink coloured material is used to fill the gaps where the gums have been receded.
- Veneers: The artificial removable veneers are used to replace the large area of missing gum tissue due to recession.
- Orthodontics: The repositioning of the misaligned/crooked tooth can correct the occlusal bite and reduces the pressure in these areas.
- Dental surgery: In severe cases of gum recession, tissue grafting technique is the most preferred option of the dentists. Where the tissue from another site of the mouth is placed over the gum receded areas to regenerate the tissue formation.
Preventive care:
The best and the simplest way to prevent gum recession is to take good care of your oral health.
- Sticking with a good oral hygiene regimen. Use the proper tooth brushing technique with a soft-bristled toothbrush or an electric toothbrush.
- Have a regular based visit to a dentist/ periodontist.
- Do not ignore the changes that occur in your mouth. Get a consultation as soon as possible to avoid the further damage.
- Try to have healthy diet foods.
- Quit smoking/tobacco use.
- Get the treatment done if you have any occlusal or habitual problems, like teeth grinding/misaligned bite.
Broken Tooth
Bruxism
Bruxism is characterised by the clenching/grinding of the teeth due to repetitive jaw-muscle activity
Cracked Tooth Syndrome
A broken tooth that doesn’t necessarily look broken.
Crowded Teeth
Dead Tooth
It may surprise you, but teeth do actually have living tissues.
Dental Anxiety
Dental Erosion
Dental erosion can be defined as the irreversible loss of tooth enamel caused by acids without involving bacteria.
Dry Socket
Dry socket also known as Alveolar Osteitis, is a common complication associated with tooth extractions.
Failing Old Silver Filling
Older filling also known as amalgam filling, have been used over years and are still being used today.
Gingivitis
In simpler terms, it is an inflammatory disease of the gingiva.
Gum Disease
Gum Recession
Gum recession occurs when the tissues around the teeth start to recede/pull back.
Halitosis
Halitosis is an unpleasant odour emitted from the mouth.
Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Third molars, commonly known as wisdom teeth, are located at the back of the mouth
Missing Teeth
Sensitive Teeth
A common dental condition that involves discomfort and pain when exposed to certain foods and temperatures.
Snoring
A partially obstructed airway during sleep causes parts of the throat or nose to vibrate as the air passes through a narrowed airway.
TMJ Dysfunction
Temporomandibular joint dysfunctions are a group of disorders affecting the masticatory system.
Tooth Brush Abrasion
Tooth brush abrasion is the most common cause of dental abrasion.
Tooth Decay
Toothache
Toothache, or dental pain, is the most frequent oral pathology
Yellow / Discoloured Teeth
Tooth discoloration/yellow tooth is an abnormal colour of the tooth, is one of the common dental conditions for any age grouped people.
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