Gums are soft tissues that surround your teeth and support them. They are properly scalloped, providing an aesthetic appearance to your smile. Any recession in your gum line can be displeasing and exposes your tooth roots and makes them susceptible to infections.
The family dentist in Pacific Beach, San Diego, is dedicated to providing you and your family the quality dental care that you deserve. The services provided help to restore and accentuate the beauty of your smile.
What is gum recession?
Gum recession is a common dental problem in which the margin of the gum tissue that surrounds the teeth wears away or pulls back, exposing the tooth roots. As a result, there is a pocket or a gap that forms between the gums and the teeth, which pave the way for bacterial colonization.
If left untreated, the supporting tissue and the bone structure of the teeth can be severely damaged, eventually leading to tooth loss.
What are the common causes of gum recession?
There are a number of factors that cause your gums to recede, including:
- Genetic predisposition
- If any member of your family suffers from gum recession.
- Periodontal disease
- This is the main cause of gum recession.
- Bacterial infiltration can erode the gums, leading them to detach and recede from the tooth surface, exposing the roots.
- Aggressive tooth brushing
- Using a hard-bristled toothbrush with extreme force can damage the gums.
- Poor dental care
- Inadequate brushing, flossing, and rinsing with antibacterial mouthwash favors excess buildup of plaque.
- Hormonal changes
- This is indicative in women since fluctuations in female hormones during pregnancy or menopause can easily convert plaque into calculus.
- Tobacco use
- Tobacco use can irritate the gingival lining of the mouth.
- Bruxism
- Excess clenching or grinding of the teeth can exert too much force on the teeth, causing gums to recede.
- Malalignment
- Crooked and malaligned teeth can favor plaque accumulation and make brushing and flossing difficult.
What are the symptoms associated with gum recession?
The most apparent symptom of gum recession is tooth root exposure. Other warning signs include:
- Pain or discomfort near the gum line
- Extreme sensitivity to hot and cold
- Sensitivity while brushing and flossing your teeth
- Longer-looking teeth
- Gingival bleeding
- Halitosis (bad breath)
How is gum recession treated?
Gum recession treatment largely depends on the cause of the condition. The options are as follows:
Non-surgical approach
- Topical antibiotics to treat infection
- Scaling and root planing to eliminate plaque and calculus
- Dental bonding to camouflage the area of recession for cosmetic purposes
- Orthodontics for crooked teeth
Surgical intervention
- Gum graft surgery helps to replace your missing gum tissue
Gum recession must be treated since, if left untreated, it can wreak havoc on your oral health.
