Our gums keep the teeth firmly in their place, and when we notice that our teeth start to look a little longer or the gums pull back, we may have gum recession. When we begin the treatment at an early age, we might be able to stop or reverse the receding gums. Several treatments for such a gum disease are available, including treating infections, deep cleaning, and tissue grafts.
Although gum recession is a common condition, many people don’t realise it till they reach a symptomatic stage. Read on to learn more about gum recession, its causes, and its types.
What are Receding Gums?
Gum recession is a gum disease in which our gums pull back from the tooth’s surface, thus exposing the tooth’s root surfaces. Receding gums can be a serious condition, and it can result from bad oral hygiene and lead to tooth loss. Gums are normally pink in a healthy mouth, whereas the gum line remains consistent around the teeth. When we develop gum recession, our gums look inflamed.
Gum recession also causes our gum line to look lower around some of our teeth than others. It also wears away the gum tissue, thus leaving our teeth exposed. As gum recession happens slowly, we must have a good look at our teeth and gums daily. If there are any receding gums and there hasn’t been a visit to the dentist for a while, then it is better to make an appointment soon.
What are the Causes of the Gum Recession?
It is a fact that we might be harming our gums without even knowing it. Our gums can recede for several reasons, which include:
- Tartar buildup or dental plaque
- Brushing our teeth in an aggressive or hard manner
- An injury or trauma to the gum tissue
- A periodontal disease
- Tooth misalignment
- Chewing or smoking tobacco
- Tongue and lip piercings
Normally, poor oral hygiene can be a contributing factor to receding gums or gum disease. Still, it may not always be the case because some people have a genetic predisposition to their thin gum tissue. It doesn’t matter what the cause of gum recession is; only timely diagnosis and proper treatment can prevent it and several other long-term oral health issues.
How to Prevent Gum Recession?
It is not always possible to prevent gum recession, especially for those genetically predisposed to thin gum tissue. However, there are certain ways to reduce the risk of gum disease by following proper teeth and gum care.
- Floss your teeth once daily.
- Brush your teeth twice daily.
- Always choose a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Stay away from smoking or chewing tobacco.
- Use antimicrobial mouthwash.
- Follow the recommendation of your dentist regarding teeth cleaning
If your dentist finds out that your gums are receding, he may try nonsurgical treatments, which include dental bonding or topical antibiotics. In case you have a moderate to severe gum recession, then there are chances that you will be referred to a periodontist or an oral surgeon for gum grafting.
So, if you begin to have teeth sensitivity or notice that the teeth roots are becoming more visible, you must contact your dentist at the first sign of such a problem. The sooner your gum recession gets diagnosed and treated, the better chance you will have for excellent oral health.
Gum Recession Treatment in Newport, NSW, Australia
Gum recession is among the main causes of gaps between teeth and gums, and if left untreated, it can be dangerous for our oral health. Newport Dental Centre is among the top dental clinics that treat gum recession by flap scaling and root planning. We arm our patients with proper education and preventive care, enabling them to avoid gum disease.
Call our dentists or book an appointment if you have gum recession, and we will guide you through the steps to protect your oral health.
Dr. Dhrupad Patel, a dedicated dentist in Newport, focuses on restoring oral health for the local and Northern Beaches community. With a Bachelor of Dental Surgery and accreditation from the Australian Dental Board, Dr. Dhrupad Patel excels in surgical procedures and smile design. Outside of work, he enjoys photography, travel, cricket, and F1.
