November 13, 2024

Litum Health

Health Blog

Causes and Treatment For Gum Recession

2 min read

Gum recession is a form of gum disease in which the gums surrounding the teeth pull away, leaving gaps between the gums and teeth. This exposes the tooth and tooth root and makes them more vulnerable to attacks from microbes like bacteria. While you cannot treat your gums once they have receded, you can always prevent the situation from worsening. 

Before you understand how to treat it, you must know what causes receding gums. If you stay in Arizona and want dental care, you can contact the Uptown Phoenix dentist.

Who is at risk of gum recession?

While it is prevalent in people aged 65 years or older, anyone is susceptible to gum recession in the following cases:

  • If you have periodontal disease
  • Chew tobacco or smoke
  • If your brushing habits are aggressive
  • If you have gotten a piercing in your mouth

What are the symptoms of gum recession?

  • You will be able to see the tooth roots as your gums recede.
  • Your teeth become more sensitive to hot, spicy, or cold foods.
  • When you brush or floss your teeth, you will notice that your gums start bleeding and paining.
  • Your breath might smell bad as bacteria and plaque build up in the gaps between your teeth and gums.

Causes

  • Bacterial infections in gums lead to periodontitis.
  • Brushing your teeth aggressively can cause the wearing off of the gums over time, leaving the gums exposed.
  • Chewing tobacco or smoking excessively can cause receding gums.
  • Bruxism is also a cause, as putting pressure on the teeth can lead to the gums getting damaged, thus resulting in recession.
  • If your teeth are misaligned, closing and opening your mouth might put pressure on the teeth, thus leading to receding gums.
  • If you do not maintain proper oral hygiene, bacteria invade your mouth and cause periodontal diseases.

Treatment options

  • Brush your teeth gently in circular motions using a soft-bristled toothbrush and clean your gums and teeth clean.
  • Get your teeth deep cleaned. Root planing is a surgical procedure that involves the dentist carefully removing the tartar and bacteria from the gaps in between your gums and teeth.
  • If the gum recession is not severe, you can use antibiotic gels or antimicrobial mouthwashes to prevent the condition from worsening. However, visiting your dentist is advisable.
  • Gum tissue grafting is also an option wherein a flap of the tissue at the top of your mouth is cut and stitched to the gum tissue to cover the exposed tooth root.
  • Visit your dentist regularly to make sure your gums and teeth are healthy. The dentist can often catch a disease early on from signs or symptoms that they notice.