Receding Gums
Receding Gums
PREVENTION | WHEN TO CALL A DOCTOR | TREATMENT | OUTLOOK
What you need to know about Receding Gums
When you have receding gums, the gums move away from the tooth’s surface and reveal the root surfaces. It is merely one type of periodontal disease. This is a major side effect of bad oral hygiene that might result in tooth loss. Depending on the extent of tissue loss, a range of therapies is possible. The better the outcome, the earlier the diagnosis and treatment.
Symptoms of Receding Gums
Gum recession symptoms include:
- Bleeding after using a toothbrush or floss
- Red and swollen gums
- Bad breath
- Gum line discomfort
- Clearly receding gums
- Teeth’s exposed roots
- Teeth becoming loose
Diagnosis
A dentist can identify the periodontal disease and other symptoms of receding gums. An examination of the body can reveal problems. Gum pockets can also be measured with a probe. A small, painless ruler is used during a probe. Normal pocket sizes fall between 1 to 3 millimetres, according to the British Dental Association. Gum disease is seen as anything larger than 3mm.
A periodontist may be recommended if receding gums are found to be the cause.
Causes
According to the BDA (British Dental Association), periodontal disease affects three out of every four individuals in the state. Gum recession is included in this.
Gingivitis has evolved into periodontal disease. Plaque and bacteria begin to accumulate on the teeth and in the gums as the initial stage of the problem. Plaque that has become embedded in the gums over time harms them and makes them pull away from the teeth. In serious situations, pockets can develop between the gums and teeth. As a result, plaque and germs can flourish and multiply.
Several things, such as the following, can contribute to receding gums:
- Long-term aggressive brushing
- A hardened buildup of plaque (tartar)
- Smoking
- Women’s hormonal changes
- A history of gum disease in your family
- Diabetes
- HIV
Some medications may result in a dry mouth. This makes your gums more likely to recede. Your mouth produces less saliva than it should if you have a dry mouth. Your mouth’s tissues could get damaged and susceptible to bacterial infections if you don’t produce enough saliva.
The BDA states that people aged 40 and over are most likely to have receding gums. Because of this, it is frequently misinterpreted as an inevitable part of ageing. Additionally, more males than females develop receding gums.
Complications
According to the BDA, periodontal mouth conditions including receding gums are to blame for over 70% of adult tooth loss. Teeth are at risk of losing their roots when there is insufficient gum tissue to keep them in place. Sometimes the dentist will remove several loose teeth to prevent them from falling out.
Surgery may probably be necessary in severe cases of receding gums to stop additional harm.
When to call a doctor
If eating or brushing your teeth causes your gums to bleed, If you have painful or swollen gums, or are suffering from bad breath, you need to arrange a checkup and will need to visit your dentist.
Treatment
Medication treatment
The optimum course of action to preserve your teeth and gum tissues might be decided by a periodontist. First, antibiotics might be recommended if a gum infection is discovered.
The underlying issue that is causing gum recession may potentially be treated with other drugs. Options consist of:
- Cream-based antibiotic
- Antibacterial chips
- Mouthwash with antibiotics
- Enzyme inhibitors
Surgery
In the worst cases of receding gums, surgery may be necessary. The two options are flap surgery and grafting surgery.
If all other treatments are unsuccessful, flap surgery involves a deep tissue cleaning. It removes germs and tartar accumulation from the gums. A periodontist raises the gums in order to execute this operation, and after it is finished, they are placed back in their original position. The gums may fit more snugly around the teeth following flap surgery, making them appear even longer.
The purpose of grafting is to either restore bone or gum tissue. In order to encourage the gums to regrow, the periodontist may insert a synthetic particle, a bit of bone, or even a piece of tissue. It’s crucial to remember that without good oral health care, this procedure cannot be sustained over the long run.
Prevention
Visiting a dentist on a regular basis for cleanings and examinations may be one of the greatest methods for preventing receding gums. A dentist can spot early indicators of gum disease even if you don’t have any symptoms. By maintaining a healthy oral hygiene routine, you can also help prevent gum issues.
Tartar can only be eradicated by a dental cleaning; regular flossing and brushing remove bacteria, food particles, and plaque. Biannual cleanings are essential in avoiding these difficulties since tartar can cause gum disease and receding gums.
Outlook
The prognosis for gum disease in its early stages can be favourable, but only if the issue is addressed quickly. Additionally, you don’t need to wait for a dentist to find evidence of receding gums. Call your dentist as soon as something in your mouth doesn’t feel or look right. Gingivitis may be treatable if caught early enough to prevent receding gums.