Gingival Recession: Its Symptoms Treatments And Prevention

What Is A Gingival Recession? 

Gingival recession or gum recession is a condition in which the gum tissue that surrounds the teeth starts wearing away or starts pulling back. It exposes more tooth or the tooth’s root. In this condition, gaps are formed between the teeth and the gum line which makes it easy for the bacteria to build up. This condition can lead to the complete damage of the bone structure causing severe tooth loss. 

This issue is usually diagnosed and treated by a periodontal disease expert or a dentist. Physical examinations are carried out to understand the issue. A probe is used to measure the size of the gum pockets and check whether the pockets are big enough for the bacteria to form. 

Gingival Recession

What Are The Reasons For Gum Recession? 

These are the few of the reasons why gums may recede:

• Periodontal Disease: This disease is one of the main reasons for gum recessions. This bacterial infection destroys the gum and the supporting bone. 
• Genetic: Some people might have perfect oral hygiene yet may be susceptible to gum recession. It is because these people have their mouth predisposed to gum disease because of their genes. 
• Aggressive Brushing: Brushing too hard or in the wrong way or with a wrong brush with bad bristles can cause the enamel of the teeth to wear and the gums to recede. 
• Poor Oral Hygiene: It can lead the plaque to turn into tartar, a hard substance that builds up between the teeth. It can lead to gum recession. 
• Hormonal Changes: Fluctuations in hormones can make the gums more vulnerable and sensitive. It usually happens to women. Especially during pregnancy or menopause. 
• Tobacco Consumption: People who consume tobacco are more likely to have plaque stuck to their teeth which leads to their gums to recede. 
• Grinding And Clenching: Clenching and grinding the teeth can also cause the gums to recede because of too much force. 
• Diabetes, although not very common, is sometimes the reason which can cause receding gums. Certain medications can cause dry mouth which causes the gums to recede. 

What Are The Symptoms Of Receding Gums? 

The following symptoms can show that the gums are receding: 

Bleeding Gums Is The Sign Of Gingival Recession

• Bleeding after brushing and flossing. 
• Swollen gums. 
• Alarmingly red gums. 
• Bad breath 
• Pain in the gum line. 
• Visibly shrinking gums 
• Exposed tooth roots 
• Loose teeth. 

Despite all the symptoms of gum recession sensitivity is the most obvious one. The reason being the disease exposes the roots and also makes the tooth look longer than normal. 

Which Surgeries And Treatments Are Used To Treat Receding Gums? 

If the preceding is mild, then it can be treated with a deep cleaning of the affected area. This procedure is also called tooth scaling or root planning. In this process, the built-up plaque and tartar on root surfaces and below the gum line are carefully removed. The uncover root sector is smoothened, this produces it hard for the bacteria to construct. Antibiotics are offered to finish the staying dangerous bacteria. 

The different types of surgeries to treat receding gums include: 

• Open Flap Scaling And Root Planing: In this process, the dental professional folds back the tissue that was affected, then removes the harmful bacteria and secures the gum tissue. 
• Regeneration: This procedure is done to regenerate the loss bone structure due to receding gums. 
• Soft Tissue Graft: In this procedure, a flap of skin is taken from the mouth. This skin is stitched to the gum tissue which is surrounding the tooth that was exposed. 

What Is The Prevention For Gum Recession? 

These are the best ways in which one can prevent their gums from receding: 

• Taking good care of the mouth 
• Brushing twice daily 
• Visiting the dentist in regular periods of time 
• Visiting a periodontist as soon as symptoms of gum receding are noticed 
• Using a soft-bristled toothbrush 
• Knowing the proper way of brushing teeth 
• Talking to a dentist in case of a misaligned bite or teeth and getting it treated 
• Quit smoking 
• Eating a balanced diet 
• Monitoring the changes occurring in the mouth 

Dr. Brady Bates, a Spokane Dentist, says that gum recession is one of the most common dental diseases. Therefore, he advises going for regular dental checkups. People tend not to realize that their gums are receding because it happens gradually. Gum recession is something people tend to ignore but should not. 

Important Article: Causes And Symptoms Of Tooth Decay 

Gum receding is most common for adults aged above 40. Men tend to get their gums receded more than women. It is very important to take care of the mouth to have that beautiful sparkly smile attached.