Causes, Treatment, and Prevention of Receding Gums
Do you have receding gums? If so, you’re not alone. Millions of people suffer from receding gums, which can cause a lot of discomforts and adversely affect your oral health. This blog post discusses the causes of receding gums, the available treatment options, and how to prevent this gum problem from happening in the first place.
What are Receding Gums, and What Causes Them?
Receding gums, also called gingival recession, is a condition in which the gum tissue around the teeth starts to pull back and wear away. This can expose the roots of the teeth and make them more susceptible to decay and infection. Several factors can contribute to receding gum problems, including:
• Brushing your teeth too hard — Can cause the gum tissue to become irritated and start to recede.
• Poor dental hygiene — If you don’t brush and floss regularly, plaque and tartar can build up on your teeth causing gums to recede.
• Gum disease — This is an infection of the gum tissue that can damage it and cause it to recede.
• Smoking — This can also contribute to gum disease and other problems leading to receding gums.
• Genetics — Some people are simply more prone to receding gums due to their genes.
Treatment Options for Receding Gums
If you have receding gums, several treatment options are available to help restore the gum tissue and protect your teeth. These include:
• Scaling and root planing — A deep-cleaning procedure that removes tartar and plaque from under the gum line.
• Gum grafts — Surgery where healthy gum tissue is taken from a particular mouth area and grafted onto the affected area.
• Bone grafts — This is a surgery in which bone material is used to fill areas where gum disease has caused damage to the jawbone.
• Soft tissue grafts –– Surgery in which healthy soft tissue is taken from an area of the mouth and grafted onto the affected area.
• Periodontal surgery — This surgery removes damaged gum tissue and bone.
A reputable dentist can discuss with you which treatment option is suitable.
How to Prevent Receding Gums
Here are a few things you can do to prevent this problem from happening in the first place, including:
• Practice good dental hygiene — This means brushing and flossing regularly and seeing your dentist for regular cleanings.
• Avoid smoking — This will help reduce your risk of gum disease and other problems that can lead to receding gums.
• Use a soft toothbrush –– This will help avoid irritating the gum tissue.
• Be careful when brushing — Don’t brush too hard, as this can damage the gum tissue.
Get Help For Your Receding Gums Today
If you’re concerned about receding gums, it’s essential to talk to your dentist, as various treatment options can help restore the gum tissue and protect your teeth. With proper care, you can prevent this problem from happening in the first place.
Dr. Feldman at Suburban Essex Dental has the knowledge and experience to help you with your receding gums. The Doctor has been rated a Top NJ Dentist since 2012 and has not missed a year. So, if you are looking for excellent dental care, reach out to our office.
