Receding Gums and their cure
Receding Gums
The process in which the border of the gum tissue surrounding the tooth wears away or pulls back is called Gum Recession. Eventually the gums are called as Receding Gums. This process exposes root and causes terrible pain when eating or drinking something hot/cold. Not just this it can also lead to tooth decay because the bone structure gets damaged and this eventually leads to tooth loss. When this problem occurs it will create pockets or gaps which will lead to bacterial infection. So today we will talk about how they receding gums happen and how we can cure them.
It is a common dental problem and the worst part is that people suffering from receding gums do not always know about it. It happens when someone points out at the gums that we become aware of this condition. Moreover the process of gum recession is gradual so it takes time to show up completely. Tooth Sensitivity is the first sign of receding gums. Also if you feel that your tooth is longer than usual or there is an incision near the gums, then it’s time that you should consult your dentist.
There are numerous reasons why gums recede some of them have been mentioned below:
- Periodontal Disease: This dental problem destroys the gums and the underlying tissues resulting in bone loss. Gum Disease forms the major factor in Receding Gums.
- Genes: Well yes it’s true. As per certain reports it has been found that 30% of the population suffers from gum disease irrespective of the fact whether they follow proper dental hygiene.
- Brushing too hard: It is important to brush your teeth daily for two minutes however brushing too aggressively will not do any good. Brushing too aggressively will also wear out the enamel.
- Lack of dental care: When we talk about dental conditions and dental problems the most basic step for healthy mouth is maintaining dental hygiene.
- Hormonal Changes: This is applicable to females and changes that happen to their body during pregnancy, menopause and puberty. These changes can make the gums sensitive and prone to receding gums.
- Tobacco: Chewing tobacco leads to plaque formation and eventually gum recession.
- Tooth Grinding: This condition compels you to apply force on your teeth leading to receding gums.
- Crooked/Misaligned Teeth: When tooth are not evenly placed on gums and bone it will make the gums to recede.
In case you are suffering from less severe gum recession then your dentist will perform deep cleaning (also known as Scaling and Root Planing). However if it is a severe case then gum surgery will be required. Scaling and Root Planing makes it difficult for bacteria to attach to the gum line because the area is made smooth as tartar gets removed.
The surgical procedure to be used depends upon the intensity of your dental problem. However he might use procedures such as:
- Pocket Depth Reduction: In this the affected gum tissue is folded back. The dangerous bacteria are removed and then the gum tissue is secured. This reduces the size of the pocket.
- Regeneration: This procedure restores the bone that has been destroyed because of receding gums.
- Soft Tissue Graft: In this procedure a flap of skin is cut from roof of the palate and the connective tissue is removed. Later on this is stitched to the gum tissue which is present around the exposed root.
As stated earlier the surgery will depend upon the intensity of the problem so it is your dentist who will be the best judge.
To avoid any dental problem it is imperative for you to take care of your teeth. When it comes to the steps to avoid receding gums then make sure you brush and floss your teeth regularly twice a day. Do not be too harsh on your teeth. The most important thing to take care of is keep visiting your dentist time and again.