Receding gums arise when the gums shrink away and more of the tooth root surface becomes exposed. The primary cause of gum recession is inflammation (gingivitis) caused by bacteria in plaque. Plaque is a film of food debris and bacteria and is not always visible to the naked eye.
Your gums may recede for a number of reasons. Gum recession causes include: Brushing too hard or too aggressively. Dental plaque or tartar buildup.
Poor oral hygiene and periodontal disease contribute to gingival recession. However, receding gums can also occur in people with good oral hygiene. The primary causes of gum recession include : physical wear or low grade trauma to the gums over several years.
Grinding or clenching your teeth – if this is severe it can put pressure on your gums which can cause them to recede. Smoking – if you smoke you are more likely to get receding gums. Periodontitis – In severe gum disease, called periodontitis, the gums can pull away from the teeth and form pockets.
Most injuries and damage sustained are cuts and abrasions to the soft tissue, followed by a recession of the gums caused by harsh cleaning that has forced the gums away from the teeth.
The most common causes of gingival recession are: Overaggressive brushing – Over-brushing can almost be as dangerous to the gums as too little. Brushing too hard or brushing with a hard-bristled toothbrush can erode the tooth enamel at the gum line and irritate/inflame gum tissue.
Saltwater rinses are an excellent at-home treatment for inflamed or receding gums. Simply dissolve one teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and rinse your mouth for 30 seconds. Rinse with salt water two to three times each day.
To fix receding gums, we can use a procedure called a gum graft. This is a minor surgical procedure that involves taking healthy gum tissue from another part of the mouth and attaching it to where the gums have receded, providing extra tissue to build the gums back up.
How Far Can Gums Recede? Gums can recede to the extent at which the uppermost portion of the root becomes visible. Damage can also extend to the ligament and the bone, where it cannot be seen. Prompt care for receding gums is important to avoid significant consequences.
Exposed tooth roots are most commonly caused by receding gums or gum disease, but other factors can contribute as well. Gum disease occurs when bacteria enters the space between your teeth and gums, causing an infection that eventually recedes the bone around the teeth and exposes the roots if not treated.
Genetics - 30% of people suffering from gingival gum recession inherit it from a genetic trait. Even if genetics is linked to a gum recession issue, it can be corrected through surgery and special care to the gums. 2. Aggressive tooth brushing - This alone can cause a lot of pain, swelling, and bleeding in the gums.
One of the most important things you can do to avoid further gum recession is to brush and floss your teeth twice daily. If your gums have receded due to aggressive brushing, be mindful of the force you are applying while brushing and use a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Unfortunately, gum recession cannot be reversed. The tissue will not grow back but there are specific steps to take to keep the recession from getting worse.
The traditional method of treating gum recession is through a gum graft, which entails donor tissue being harvested from another area of the mouth—usually the palate—and transplanted onto the receding area to cover the exposed tooth root. While this is an effective method of treating receding gums, Dr.
Gingivitis – Early Stage of Gum Disease
This stage only affects the soft tissue of the gums, and the patient may not experience any discomfort. Although the symptoms may be very mild, it is important to diagnose gum disease in this early stage before it progresses to periodontitis.
Initial healing will take about 10 to 14 days to take place. It will take about 6 months for full gum maturation to complete.
The specialist for gum health in the dental profession is called a periodontist. There are four stages of periodontal disease: early-stage gingivitis, early-stage periodontitis, moderate periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis.
What do Receding Gums Look Like? The way to identify receding gums is by looking at the gum tissue surrounding each individual tooth. If the height of the gum tissue varies or if you see that the gum tissue surrounding the teeth draws back and seems red or worn away, then you are looking at receding gums.
Porcelain veneers are known to improve the look of your teeth, and just in this way, gum veneers help reduce the appearance of receding gums. Gingival veneers: Specially designed and custom-crafted veneers that make the teeth appear shorter to cover and conceal exposed tooth roots and receded gums.
Saltwater rinses help with treating gum disease but are not capable of fixing the problem by themselves. You require help from a professional periodontist and maintain good oral hygiene habits if you intend to get over periodontal disease.
The Corsodyl mouthwash helps with bleeding gums as well as recession, and it prevents gum disease. It is the go-to brand for many people with gum recession. \ \ Corsodyl contains an active ingredient called chlorhexidine digluconate, an antiseptic that kills bacteria that aren't layered onto the teeth.
In some cases, it may be too late for gum grafting to save the gums. If your gums are severely damaged, receding so far back that they expose the tooth's root, or if there is significant bone loss from advanced gum disease, gum grafting may not be able to restore them to their healthy state.
Using an electric toothbrush won't damage your teeth — but misusing one can lead to tooth damage, sensitivity, and gum recession.
It can cause severe gum recession and an increased likeliness of periodontal disease. Long-term stress is proven to weaken the immune system. This lowers your body's ability to fight infections. As a result, you have an increased risk of several dental issues, like bleeding and inflamed gums.