Many people underestimate the need for healthy gums, teeth, and mouth. That’s why it might not feel like a big deal to skip brushing or flossing even now and then. Unfortunately, poor oral hygiene threatens your oral health, comfort, and function.
As far as your gums are concerned, poor oral hygiene can lead to gum disease and gum recession. When you don’t brush and floss thoroughly and daily, you encourage a build-up of bacterial plaque and tartar in the mouth.
Over time, these deposits release harmful acids that inflame and infect the gum tissues, leading to gingivitis. If not eliminated, these deposits develop under the gum line, creating deep pockets that cause the gums to separate from teeth. This article looks at gum recession and possible treatment options to restore the health of your gums.
What is Gum Recession?
Gum recession happens when the gums pull back or separate from the teeth, exposing more of your tooth, including the roots. It causes gaps or spaces between the gums and teeth. More plaque and tartar build-up in these spaces, eventually damaging the underlying teeth supporting tissues like the bone and even leading to tooth mobility and tooth loss.
What Causes Gum Recession?
Factors that can cause or increase your risk of gum recession include:
- Gum disease: Periodontal disease is the primary cause of gum recession.
- Poor oral hygiene: Inadequate brushing and flossing and lack of routine professional cleanings and check-ups.
- Genetics: Studies show that about 30% of the population may be predisposed to gum infection regardless of how well they care for their mouth.
- Aggressive brushing: Vigorous brushing can irritate and damage the gums, making them more vulnerable to bacterial infections and recession.
- Hormonal changes: Hormonal fluctuations during puberty, menopause and pregnancy make gums more sensitive and vulnerable to gum disease and recession.
- Tobacco products: Studies show smokers are more vulnerable to gum disease and recession than non-smokers.
- Bruxism: Chronic teeth grinding and clenching can cause too much stress on teeth, causing the gums to recede.
Signs your gums are infected or receding include:
- Red, sore, swollen, or sensitive gums
- Persistent bad breath
- Teeth that appear longer than usual
- Gum bleeding when brushing, flossing, or eating
- Mouth sores
- Tooth pain or sensitivity
- Loose teeth
- New spaces between teeth
Do you have these or other symptoms of gum disease? Contact our office for non-surgical gum disease therapy in Newburyport, MA.
How to Heal Receding Gums
Before are common treatments for treating gum disease and recession:
- Proper dental care
Excellent brushing and flossing and routine professional cleanings can help reduce and prevent bacteria build-up in the mouth, helping your gums to heal faster. Be sure to avoid hard-bristled toothbrushes and abrasive oral products.
If possible, use fluoride toothpaste and an electric toothbrush. Also, avoid aggressive brushing as it can irritate the gums further, worsening your condition.
- Deep cleaning
Deep cleaning, or dental scaling and root planning, is one of the most effective ways to heal mild to average gum recession. The dentist or periodontist uses special tools to remove plaque and bacteria deep from the gum pockets during the treatment.
Then, the tooth roots are smoothened, making it difficult for bacteria to re-attach. The procedure also allows the gums to re-attach to the teeth snugly. The dentist might prescribe topical or oral antibiotics to prevent bacteria recolonization.
- Surgery
Surgery may be necessary in cases where deep cleaning isn’t effective, or there’s significant damage to the gums and underlying bone. For instance, gum flap surgery helps to remove bacteria and repair damaged gums and bones. Gum and bone grafts can repair and stimulate the growth of healthy gums and bone. They can obtain graft materials from different parts of your body.
- Tray therapy
After deep cleaning, the dentist can recommend a tray therapy treatment. The treatment uses custom trays worn over the teeth and gums to deliver gum medication deep in the deep gum pockets daily. The therapy helps eliminate periodontal bacteria and prevents them from recolonizing, allowing your gums to heal quickly and effectively.
- Dental bonding
Based on the cause and severity of your condition, the dentist can protect the exposed areas of your teeth with a tooth-colored composite resin material. It protects the tooth from infections and makes the recession less noticeable. It can also help reduce sensitivity.
- Mouth guards and orthodontic treatments
When dental problems like bruxism and misalignments cause gum recession, your dentist can recommend a mouth guard and orthodontic treatments like braces to align your bite and prevent gum recession.
Other Tips
- Avoid tobacco products.
- Eat a well-balanced and healthy diet.
- Treat underlying health conditions like diabetes.
Schedule an Appointment Today
Are you interested in gum disease treatment in Newburyport, MA? Contact Newburyport Family Dental for more information.
