When gums start pulling away from the surface of the teeth, it causes the delicate root underneath to be exposed. As a result, some small spaces tend to form where plaque can accumulate over time. This contributes to more gum recession. If you take no steps to keep this in check or treat it in a timely manner, it can lead to bone and tooth loss in the long run.
Explore your options with a dentist in Holborn if you think you have issues with your gum. Several factors come to play, which can cause receding gums such as poor dental hygiene, brushing aggressively or the natural process of aging.
Unfortunately, receding gums do not grow back. The gum tissue does not grow back the way other tissue does (like the skin’s epithelial tissue). This is why, chances are nada that your receding gum will grow back.
How to Spot a Receding Gum?
Look for signs that you have an issue with receding gums. Receding gums or gum recession happens when the gum tissues start pulling back from the teeth, exposing the root beneath. The first thing you will notice is increased sensitivity in your teeth.
Sometimes, there will be instances where your teeth may look longer. It is common for you to feel a notch at the junction of the tooth and its root.
While these signs are common, you cannot always be sure that you have receding gums. Your best course of action will be to have regular checkups with your dentist. He or she might be able to tell you if you have severe gum problems or issues with gum recession. This is especially important with receding gums. This is because getting treatment when you gum issues is the only way to keep this in control.
Why Does It Happen?
Did you know that periodontal disease is an advanced form of gingivitis? At first, there will be buildup of bacteria or plaque within the gums. As times passes, stuck-on plaque tends to damage the gums, causing them to fall back from your teeth. Consider worst case scenarios, where pockets tend to form between your teeth and gums. Naturally, this is a breeding ground for bacteria to build up over time.
A number of factors could contribute to gum recession:
- Aggressive brushing
- Hardened plaque buildup
- Hormonal changes especially in women
- Smoking
- Family history of gum diseases
- Diabetes
- HIV
Sometimes, you may feel dry mouth due to certain medications. This increases the risk for receding gums. Receding gums are prevalent in adults aged 40 and above. This is why, receding gum is often misconceived as a natural sign of aging. Statistics show that more men have receding gums than women.
What Can You Do to Prevent Receding Gums?
While you may not be able to grow back the lost gum, there are certain things you can do to ensure the rest of the gums are healthy. Some prefer to undergo dental procedures that can reduce the appearance of recessed gum.
- Slowing down the process helps
While receding gums do not grow back, once started, you can at least slow down the process. But how do you do so? By consulting a dentist, of course. Work out a plan with your dentist and learn your options.
They will be able to measure how far your gums have receded. Depending on this information he will try to determine the most effective steps that you must take next. If bacteria have grown in the small spaces resulted from receding gums, they will probably start with a deep dental cleaning procedure (root planing and scaling).
The treatment involves eliminating the tartar from and under your teeth and gum line. The healthcare professionals either use a scraper or an ultrasonic device to loosen and scrape away plaque.
This is the first step in treating recessed gum. To maintain the results, you will have to take proper preventative measures and follow good oral hygiene to avoid future complications.
This includes:
- Regular dental cleanings especially after every six months
- Gentle brushing two times a day with a soft-bristled brush
- Flossing in between the teeth two times before brushing
What about a Surgery?
If your case is a severe one, your dentist is highly likely to suggest you a surgery to eliminate bacteria accumulated under your gums. Or he might also undertake a surgery to replace missing gum tissue.
- Flap surgery: This involves making a small incision in the gum tissue to lift the gum up and remove plaque. After they have removed the plaque, they will end the process by securing your gum tissue in its original place. This helps prevent bone loss in the long run.
- Gum grafting: A surgeon will take gum tissue from other part of your mouth to place it around the concerned area. This can reduce the appearance of receding gums, protecting your tooth & bone tissue from further damage.
- Bonding: This is a process that involves placing gum-colored resin over the roots of your concerned teeth. This helps you to reduce the appearance of receding gums. If you have been suffering with teeth sensitivity, this process is useful too.
Bottom Line
Prevention is better than cure. And there is no better way to go about it, especially when you have risks of receding gums. For this, all you need is to have regular checkups with your dentist in Holborn. Follow good oral habits to make sure you have healthy gums and roots.