Receding Gums: Treatment And Causes

Receding gums can be scary and painful, but you don't need to worry. Depending on the severity of the problem, you can take several steps at home that may serve as effective treatment. The first step in addressing an oral health matter is to consult your dentist to determine whether your oral health requires further measures.

Causes of Gum Recession

Gingival recession, or gum recession, occurs when the gum tissue recedes and lowers its position on the tooth, exposing the roots of the teeth. Any number of life habits can cause this, and the course of treatment often depends on the cause of the problem.

The following are some of the most common causes of gum recession:

• Overly aggressive brushing or flossing: Being enthusiastic about oral care is great, but you should ensure you're brushing, not scrubbing! Never use a toothbrush that isn't labelled "soft." Be gentle on your teeth, and remember that taking care of them isn't supposed to hurt.
• Genetics: Your gums' characteristics are determined by your genetics, just like your body is. If one or both of your parents have gum recession, you're at a higher risk for receding gums.
• Abnormal tooth positioning: Gum recession can occur if your teeth are not aligned.
• Grinding your teeth or bruxism: Do you often wake up with a headache? Does your spouse or partner complain that you grind your teeth? This habit can cause many dental maladies, not just gum recession, so let your dentist know immediately if you think you are grinding your teeth. Teeth grinding can be treated easily and painlessly with a mouth guard and several other options.
• Trauma to gum tissue: When a tooth or teeth have been traumatically injured, the gum tissue may recede.
• Poor oral health: If your oral health habits are questionable, gum recession may result from periodontitis.

Don't worry. No matter what caused your gum recession, there is a treatment.

Receding Gums Treatment

If you are only mildly affected by receding gums, that's great! Catching it early means you likely won't require professional treatment to fix it. Your dentist will help you identify the cause and instruct you on how to address it. You may have to reevaluate your flossing habits, get a mouth guard, and buy a different toothbrush.

If you need treatment, your dentist will work with a periodontist or a gum specialist to decide the best course of action. Along with helping you change the habits that caused the gum recession, your dentist will determine whether you would benefit from a special, deeper cleaning called scaling and root planning. This is frequently the solution when your gum recession is caused by periodontitis. You'll also receive a new toothbrush and instructions on caring for your mouth to help it recover.

Depending on the cause of your gum recession, you may need surgical treatment. This procedure, called a gum graft, will be performed by your periodontist. Your periodontist can tell you more about it and what to expect.

Taking care of your oral health is very important. Your mouth is a great indicator of your general wellness; an oral infection can affect your whole body. Be gentle with your teeth and visit the dentist if you have any persistent discomfort.

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