A condition of receding gums is not something that is reversible; however, it can be preventable if you take the proper precautions. It is also important to keep an eye on your gums as gum recession can lead to greater oral health issues. With regular checkups and teeth cleanings from expert general dental practices like Lovett Dental Gulfgate and knowledge of the signs and causes of receding gums, you can keep your smile in top form.
Causes of Receding Gums
Some of the causes of receding gums may be obvious, while other causes may be surprising. Common causes of receding gums include:
- Genetics – Some people are simply more susceptible to gum disease. Therefore, even if you are a diligent brusher and flosser, you may be predisposed to gum disease, which leads to receding gums.
- Tobacco use – When you smoke or chew tobacco products, you are more likely to develop sticky plaque on your teeth. This sticky plaque is difficult to remove, which can lead to gum disease. The chemicals from tobacco use can also damage all of the soft tissues in the mouth and lead to receding gums.
- Aggressive brushing – This cause may be surprising to some people. When you brush to vigorously, you wear away the enamel which can lead to a receding gumline.
- Hormonal changes – When hormone levels fluctuate, gums can become more inflamed and start to recede. This may happen to women who are pregnant or going though menopause.
- Crooked teeth or a misaligned bite – A misaligned bite or crooked teeth can cause you to put excessive forces on some teeth and minimal forces on others, which can both lead to a receding gumline.
- Teeth grinding – When you grind your teeth, the unnecessary force can cause gums to recede.
If you know the signs and symptoms of gum recession, you can prevent further development and complications.
Signs and Symptoms of Gum Recession
The signs and symptoms of gum recession will be different for everyone. Gingivitis can be an early indication of receding gums. Gingivitis typically manifests with redness, bleeding, and swelling of the gums. For some people, periodontitis, or gum disease, is the beginning stage of gum recession to come.
A typical sign of gum recession is when connective tissue begins pulling away from the tooth, exposing the roots, nerves, and more. Many people will experience tooth sensitivity to cold and hot beverages and food. Other signs that you are experiencing gum recession include:
- Pain at the gumline
- Bad breath
- Noticeable gum deterioration
- Bone loss
- Cavities
Adverse Reactions
One of the most dangerous side effects of a receding gumline is tooth loss. It can be a costly and less-than-desirable process to replace a tooth. However, all is not lost. There are plenty of options for teeth replacement these days to make your smile look as good as new, if not even a little better.
Prevention and Treatment
You can help prevent a receding gumline and gum disease by practicing good oral health. It is also important to visit the Lovett Dental Gulfgate dentist regularly. If you have receding gums due to your genetics, be sure to work with your dentist or periodontist as soon as possible to start a custom prevention plan based on your unique circumstance. If you grind your teeth, you might benefit from a nightguard while you sleep. Certain people will require new dentures.
Treatment for receding gums will vary based on the circumstance. Some people may only require some mild medicine to ease the discomfort or improve their oral hygiene practices. Those with more serious cases of gum recession and gum disease may require additional dental procedures, such as scaling and root planing, to eliminate excess plaque and tartar from beneath the gum line. Others might require oral surgery to remove teeth, replace teeth, or participate in cosmetic-related procedures.
Stop Receding Gums Today with Help from Lovett Dental Gulfgate
Lovett Dental Gulfgate has an extensive list of dental services for nearly any dental issue. As a multidisciplinary dental practice, Lovett offers general services for routine checkups and a wide range of specialty dental services, including periodontal, pediatric, orthodontic, and maxillofacial services. If you have receding gums, Lovett has dental services for all stages of the process, including implant-supported dentures and veneers.
Millions of people experience gum recession at some point in their lives. It can lead to tooth decay, tooth loss, pain, and oral surgery if not treated promptly. If you believe you might be experiencing receding gums, contact Lovett Dental Gulfgate at 713-847-8822 to set up a consultation or make an appointment for a dental procedure.
