What Causes Receding Gums: Insights and Preventive Measures from Experts
By Dr. Aastha Manchanda +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr. Aastha Manchanda
Last updated: Apr 18, 2024Click to rate this article!
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By Dr. Aastha Manchanda +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr. Aastha Manchanda
Last updated: Apr 18, 2024Table of Contents
Receding gums develop when your gum tissue pulls back from your teeth. This leaves the roots of your teeth exposed and open to problems like decay. It can even lead to tooth loss. In this article we will discuss about the causes, symptoms, and ways to manage receding gums. Lastly, we will answer some frequently asked questions regarding this topic.
I have seen that gum recession frequently causes discomfort or sensitivity in patients. This is because the enamel that covers the roots of your teeth is missing. Cementum, which covers them, is not as durable. Fluoride varnish or other desensitising chemicals may be applied by your dentist to reduce gum recession pain.
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, MD
Did you know?
In my opinion, desensitising toothpaste may assist in reducing gum recession pain. Seek for a recommendation from your dentist for toothpaste containing active components such as strontium chloride, arginine, potassium nitrate, and stannous fluoride. These components may aid in reducing dental nerve sensitivity. It may take several weeks for desensitising toothpaste to start working, and it works best when used regularly.
Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS
Receding gums are a big problem for many people. Below we will discuss what gums are and what happens when they start receding.
Gums are soft pink tissues in your mouth. They do the important job of holding your teeth in their places. Not just that, they also keep harmful bacteria away from the jawbones and tooth roots.
Receding gums occur when your gum tissue pulls away from your teeth. This exposes the roots of your teeth. Remember this is a type of gum disease. Bad oral health often causes this. If left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss. Timely diagnosis and management may save your gums from this problem.
The common risk factors and causes of receding gums are discussed below.
Gum disease can cause receding gums. It happens when plaque and bacteria build up on your teeth and gums. This buildup slowly harms your gums. The damaged gums then pull back to form pockets between your teeth and gums. This lets even more bacteria and plaque build-up.
Using tobacco forms too much plaque on your teeth. This plaque causes inflammation which leads to gum recession.
If you have a family history of gum disease you may be more likely to suffer from receding gums. This is because of your genes.
Brushing too hard is not good for your teeth or gums. It applies too much pressure on your gums. Over time, this can wear out your gums and cause them to recede.
Changes in your hormone levels can make your gums more prone to bacterial infections. This can lead to gum recession.
Some medicines can make your mouth feel dry. A dry mouth is more prone to bacterial infections .which can lead to receding gums.
This extra pressure on your gums could lead to receding gums.
To my knowledge, you may have gum recession if you notice that the roots of your teeth are more noticeable than they ever were or if your teeth are more sensitive than they once were. It’s critical to contact your periodontist or dentist as soon as issues appear. Your chances of achieving ideal dental health are higher the earlier gum recession is identified and addressed.
Dr. Smita barode, BAMS
Here are some signs that indicate you might have receding gums.
Usually, during your routine check-ups. The dentist will look closely at any changes in your gum tissue. They may even measure the gap around your teeth with a probe. If that gap is larger than 3 millimeters, they might suspect gum disease and receding gums. In some cases, the dentist may ask you to see a periodontist for more tests.
Here are some ways in which we can deal with receding gums.
Deep cleaning involves scaling or root planing. This process removes plaque and tartar from teeth and may help your gums reattach to your teeth.
This is the process of removing plaque and tartar. It cleans the tooth surface and areas under the gumline. This may lessen swelling.
In this process, the tooth root surfaces are cleaned thoroughly. This removes rough spots where bacteria can collect. It may help gums reattach to the teeth.
Your healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotics to manage the infection. Antibiotics come in many forms like pills, gels, or mouthwashes.
In some severe cases, surgery might be needed to manage receding gums. These are described below.
This is also called pocket reduction surgery. In this process, the dentist lifts the gum tissue away from the teeth. They clean the area and then stitch it back in place. This reduces the space where bacteria and plaque can collect.
This involves taking tissue from somewhere else in your mouth. Then they put this tissue on the receding gums to strengthen them.
In some cases, there might be bone loss. For these cases, they do bone grafting. This means putting bone fragments or artificial bone around the tooth root. This helps the bone grow back and makes the tooth stable.
Complications develop if you don’t treat receding gums, here is a list of complications that may develop.
Here are some tips that may be used to reduce or avoid receding gums.
Brush softly with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Remember to floss every day and use mouthwash to keep bacteria away.
Choose gentle brushing over forceful brushing. Use circular movements when you brush. Make sure to set your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gumline. This cleans your teeth well.
Clean the spaces between your teeth with floss every day. It helps remove plaque and bacteria.
Mouthwash helps kill bacteria and stop tartar from building up.
Visit your dentist for routine cleanings and check-ups. Your dentist can keep a close watch on your gum health and act early if there’s an issue.
Say no to smoking or using other tobacco products. They may lead to gum recession.
Learn to control clenching and grinding your teeth. You may do this by managing stress or using a night guard given by your dentist.
How well you recover from receding gums will depend on how serious your condition was, and how well the management options worked. Caught early and managed promptly, you may be able to stop receding gums from getting worse or even reverse it. Regular dental check-ups and taking good care of your teeth are important in delaying further gum recession.
Receding gums affect many people. When gums recede, they expose tooth roots. These roots are then open to decay, infection, and loss of the tooth. Gum recession can be due to many things. It might be gum disease, rough brushing, smoking, or just because of your genes. If you catch it early you may stop it in its tracks. This may save you from further problems.
It’s important to keep your mouth clean. Brush gently with a soft-bristled brush, floss regularly, and rinse your mouth regularly with mouthwash. Regular visits to your dentist will keep your gums in check. By doing these steps, you may keep your mouth healthy and keep receding gums at bay.
Once your gums start receding, they can’t grow back on their own. Get it checked early and with the right management, you may stop it from getting worse. In severe cases, you may need surgery to fix your gums.
Mild to moderate receding gums may often be fixed without surgery. Cleaning options like scaling and root planing, antibiotics, or desensitizing agents might help. Remember, good oral care, gentle brushing, and regular dental check-ups may stop gums from receding more.
Early signs of receding gums are bleeding after brushing or flossing, red and swollen gums, sensitivity to heat and cold, and exposed tooth roots. If you see any of these symptoms, see your dentist soon.
Many factors can cause your gums to suddenly start receding. Brushing too hard, smoking, certain medications, and clenching or grinding teeth can all lead to this. Consult your dentist to find out the cause and to start therapy.
Gums can’t grow back on their own. But there are natural ways to keep your gums healthy and avoid receding. You need good oral hygiene, regular dental visits, no tobacco use, and changing your clenching and grinding habits.
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