What Are Receding Gums?
Receding gums indicate loss of gum tissue that surrounds the teeth. It’s also thought to be a form of progression of gingivitis. Gums that recede are prone to plaque accumulation in the teeth. As time passes, the plaque may cause gum damage. In extreme cases, pockets can form between gums and teeth, leading to plaque and bacteria buildup.
What Are The Symptoms of Receding Gums?
Many people wait longer to see the symptoms of gum receding. It’s essential to seek out treatment as soon as you see the signs of something wrong. Being aware of the signs of receding gums will assist in identifying the problem earlier. Awareness often manifests itself in the following ways:
- Exposed roots
- Longer teeth
- Inflamed or red gums (gingivitis)
- Gums that hurt
- Soreness
- Tooth Sensitivity
- Bad breath
- Pus on the gums or between the teeth
- Bleeding
The obvious changes are easily discernible If you keep an eye on teeth. Pain and bleeding are typically evident after eating hard food items.
What Causes Receding Gums?
A variety of causes can trigger receding gums. If you’re aware, you can determine the risk level. The most frequently reported reasons are:
- Periodontitis (periodontitis)
- Harsh brushing
- Poor oral hygiene
- Crooked teeth
- A bite that isn’t aligned
- Hormone changes
- Genetics
- Aging
Genes play a major factor in the receding of gums. In reality, 30% of the world’s population is susceptible to the hereditary condition of gums, regardless of how much they attempt to take care of their dental. In these cases, gums and tissues are more susceptible to inflammation, which is the primary reason behind the decline.
a) Periodontal disease
According to studies, periodontal disorders (also known as gum diseases) cause a plight of 20 to 50 percent of the globe’s population. The condition is an infection of the gums, which slowly destroys gum tissue. If left untreated, it may cause bone loss that supports teeth and cause the roots to loosen their grip. A single of the prevalent gum recession causes is this.
b) Harsh Brushing
We’ve always said that you should floss and clean, but if you’re aggressive, it can harm and strain your gums’ health. If you clean your teeth with too much force, it could cause damage to the surface of the teeth, which is the enamel. Over time, the enamel may lose its luster, which could cause an enlarging gum line.
c) Poor Oral Hygiene
If you don’t routinely floss and brush your teeth or rinse them with an oral antibacterial rinse, you’re susceptible to an ongoing buildup of tartar and plaque. In addition, you’re more likely to develop tonsil stones accumulated from all the food particles, mucus, and bacteria. The stones could cause severe swelling and soreness.
d) Hormonal Changes
The changes in hormone levels, such as those resulting from menopausal, pregnancy, or puberty, can cause the teeth to be prone to receding gums.
Getting Diagnosed
Only a dentist can identify receding gums. It is necessary to undergo an exam that will reveal any dental problems. Dental professionals may also utilize an instrument (small measuring ruler) to determine the length of the gum pockets. The experts believe healthy gums should have a space between 1mm and 3 millimeters. Anything larger than it is an obvious sign of a gum recession.
Prevention
There are several steps to prevent receding gums. First, they must refrain from brushing their teeth too vigorously or using a toothbrush with a hard bristle. Instead, use an easy-bristled toothbrush and refrain from over-brushing using gentle strokes.
The buildup of tartar and plaque can cause periodontal diseases, and healthy dental hygiene can help keep gums from receding. One should also think about cutting down on using tobacco products and reducing their intake of alcohol, if appropriate.
Anyone concerned about their gums or teeth receding need to see your dentist for a discussion about the issues.
Risks Associated With Receding Gums
The first sign of receding gums can be the first sign of serious issues awaiting your gums if they are not treated. If the gum recession is caused by plaque and tartar buildup, the problem in oral health is that the bone beneath the tooth could recede in addition to the acids and toxins produced by bacteria.
The receding gums happen gradually following the retraction of the bone beneath. What may have started as a manageable issue due to gingivitis and plaque develops into full-on periodontitis when the teeth’s roots are exposed, and the teeth begin to loosen and hurt. Dentures and tooth extraction are the only options at this point.
The bigger problem can be that gums receding could be a sign of other health problems that could be serious. In addition, most people will never connect health issues to gum disease. The most serious issue with the overall health of your gums and teeth is the possibility of developing stroke and heart disease.
A recent study revealed that gum disease is associated with a 19.9% chance of developing heart and cardiovascular diseases. The theory is that the bacteria present in large numbers in the presence of gum disease (a principal reason for receding gums) are absorbed into the bloodstream. It then travels through the body and into the heart. This may cause coronary artery diseases and plaque buildup in the arteries.
Treatment
A periodontist can determine the best way to treat the gum tissue and teeth. The use of antibiotics is a way to treat any infection discovered. To treat the root causes of gum recession additional medications may be prescribed. These include:
- Topical antibacterial gel
- Antiseptic chips
- Antimicrobial mouthwash
- Enzyme suppressants
Surgery might be require for more severe cases of receding gums. There are generally two options available, including flap surgery and grafting. A flap procedure involves a profound tissue cleansing, removing tartar and bacteria buildup inside the gums. A periodontist in this procedure lifts the gums and then puts them back once the procedure is complete.
Grafting is a method of reviving gum tissue or bones. The periodontist will keep either an artificial particle or fragment of bone tissue to help the gums to grow back. Proper oral care must be maintain following grafting to prove effective.
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