Gum recession, also known as gingival recession, increases the risk of infections, tooth loss, decay, and illness. Unfortunately, gum recession is a prevalent issue. Poor oral health paired with unhealthy behaviours can cause the gum line to wear away or recede. This reveals the fragile pink tissue that covers the tooth roots. While this is more common as individuals get older, it may happen to teenagers as well.
A variety of factors contribute to the development of receding gum lines, and even people with adequate dental hygiene might be affected. Understanding the causes can provide you with the knowledge you need to take preventative actions against the start of the gum recession. The following are the factors contributing to gum recession, as well as the actions you may take to avoid and stop it:
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums caused by plaque buildup on the teeth. Poor dental hygiene, such as infrequent or poor brushing and flossing, causes germs to accumulate on teeth. The poorer the dental hygiene, the more plaque accumulates, causing gingivitis. Gingivitis causes red and swollen gums, and brushing your teeth may cause your gums to bleed if you have it. Mild episodes of gingivitis may go untreated for some time, leading to major oral health issues including gum recession.
Periodontal Diseases
Gingivitis can progress to periodontitis if left untreated. While good dental hygiene may generally cure gingivitis, the same cannot be said for periodontitis. Periodontal disease is a much more serious type of gum inflammation or infection. While gingivitis can lead to periodontitis, periodontitis can develop without first having gingivitis. Periodontal disease wreaks havoc on the gums and the bones that support the teeth. When this happens, a gap between the teeth and gums might occur. This space then retains additional food particles, exacerbating infections and degradation.
Poor Dental Care
Vigorous teeth cleaning can damage and recede your gum lines. This is especially true for people who clean their teeth with hard-bristled toothbrushes. Too much brushing, especially with a hard-bristled brush, wears away at the gum line and can even lose tooth enamel. Also, with proper cleaning and thorough inspection, regular dental care helps safeguard your gum line. Your gums are not getting the care and attention they require if you do not visit the dentist on a regular basis.
How to Prevent Gum Recession
The first step in avoiding a receding gum line is to take care of your teeth. This involves cleaning your teeth for at least two minutes twice a day and flossing. Food particles caught between teeth are a major cause of periodontal disease, which results in receding gum lines.
Using a soft or ultra-soft toothbrush can also help to lessen the risk of tooth damage from forceful teeth brushing. Brush gently and often to remove tartar and plaque without hurting the gum line or enamel.
How To Treat Gum Recession
The degree of the recession determines the treatment for a receding gum line. To cure modest gum recession in the afflicted region, a dentist may be able to do a thorough cleaning. This operation uses tooth scaling and root planing to remove plaque and tartar that have accumulated around the teeth and below the gum line. Smoothing out the roots prevents additional germs from settling and developing there. In rare cases, a dentist may prescribe antibiotics to fight off further germs.
Unfortunately, gum lines sometimes shrink to the point where thorough cleaning is no longer necessary. Surgery is required in these circumstances to eliminate the dangerous germs from the pockets caused by gum recession. There are various techniques available to stimulate bone and tissue regeneration. Gum recession is not easy to treat, but with daily oral care, frequent dentist appointments, and appropriate behaviour, you may avoid receding gums or gum disease. Contact the team at Naenae Dental today if you’re concerned about your gums!
