Gum Recession
Gum recession occurs when the gums start to pull away from the teeth, exposing more of the tooth and root. Left untreated, it can lead to sensitivity, pain, and even tooth loss.
But don’t worry - London Dental Specialists is here to help you overcome this dental issue and get back to enjoying a beautiful smile.
We understand that having healthy gums is important not just for your oral health but also for your overall well-being and confidence. That’s why our team of experienced dentists (each with a dental specialty) is dedicated to providing top-quality treatment in a beautiful environment.
Gum Recession: Key Takeaways
- Gingival recession is caused by various factors, including poor oral hygiene, aggressive tooth brushing, hormone imbalances, and smoking.
- Symptoms of gum recession include longer-looking teeth, sensitivity to hot/cold/sweet/acidic foods, and bleeding gums.
- Complications of gum recession can include bone and tooth loss, but treatment options such as desensitising agents, gum grafts, and professional treatments are available.
- Prevention tips for gum recession include brushing and flossing regularly, using an antibacterial mouthwash, and avoiding sugary/acidic foods.
Causes of Gum Recession.
Gum recession is when your gum tissue pulls away from your teeth, exposing the roots underneath. It’s caused by a number of factors, including aggressive brushing, smoking and even genetics.
Gingival recession can be caused by various factors, including periodontal disease, aggressive tooth brushing, poor oral hygiene habits, grinding or clenching your teeth, hormones during pregnancy or menopause, and smoking. While some people may be genetically predisposed to gum recession, lifestyle factors such as smoking and poor oral hygiene can increase the risk.
The impact of gum recession on your overall oral health is significant. It can result in longer-looking teeth with an uneven gum line and sensitivity to hot, cold, sweet or acidic foods and drinks. Other symptoms include bleeding gums, bad breath and plaque retention. Without proper treatment, the long-term effects may lead to bone or even tooth loss.
But don’t worry – many treatment options are available for gum recession, ranging from desensitising agents or varnishes to surgical treatments like gum grafts for severe cases.
Preventing Gum Recession: Tips for Maintaining Healthy Gums
Gingival recession is prevented by excellent toothbrushing technique: brushing twice daily with an oral b electric toothbrush with a pressure-sensitive head and floss daily. Pay special attention to the gum line, where bacteria can accumulate. Flossing is essential for removing food particles and plaque that brushing may miss, so be sure to floss at least once a day.
In addition to good toothbrushing techniques and flossing habits, diet choices can also affect gum health. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables provides essential gum tissue repair and growth nutrients. On the other hand, sugary or acidic foods can erode enamel and contribute to gum disease. Smoking cessation is another crucial step in preventing gum recession, as it weakens the immune system’s ability to fight infection. Finally, maintaining regular oral hygiene routines with professional cleaning appointments every six months helps prevent tartar buildup that can lead to periodontal diseases. By practising these healthy habits consistently, you will promote strong gums and maintain an attractive smile for years to come.
Taking proactive measures against gum recession through proper oral hygiene practices and healthy lifestyle choices can reduce your risk of experiencing this common dental issue. However, suppose you do notice signs of receding gums, such as sensitivity or pain when eating or drinking hot or cold foods/beverages or bleeding when brushing/flossing. In that case, it’s important not to delay seeking treatment from a dental specialist who can provide non-surgical or surgical options based on individual needs/preferences without compromising the aesthetics or functionality of your teeth!
Gingival Recession Treatments: Exploring Surgical and Non-Surgical Options
Some professional treatments for gum recession include gum grafting, scaling and root planing, and tissue regeneration. Gum grafting involves tissue from the roof of your mouth (or other donor sources) and transplanting it onto the affected area to rebuild the gumline. Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning procedure that removes bacteria from below the gumline while smoothing out rough spots on tooth roots. Tissue regeneration involves using biocompatible materials to encourage new bone growth in areas where gums have receded. These procedures have successfully treated patients with various degrees of gum recession.
Now that you know about these treatment options for restoring your gums, you may wonder if there are steps you can take to prevent future recessions from happening again.
Can You Prevent Gum Recession?
Preventing gingival recession is possible by maintaining good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and avoiding smoking or chewing tobacco.
Additionally, there are several risk factors that you should be aware of, including genetics and certain medical conditions like diabetes. If you notice any signs of gum recession, such as tooth sensitivity or longer-appearing teeth, it’s important to complete the form below immediately.
As you continue exploring ways to prevent gum recession, it’s also important to understand recovery after surgical treatments if they’re necessary.
Gum Graft Surgery Aftercare.
Pain management is very important after gum graft surgery. Your surgeon will prescribe pain medication or recommend over-the-counter options to help manage discomfort.
Practising good oral hygiene habits, such as using a 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthwash (e.g. Curasept), for the first 2-3 weeks and then soft brushing gently around the surgical site and using a saltwater rinse, can help prevent infection and promote healing. Your diet during this time should consist of soft foods that are easy to chew and do not require much effort from your teeth and gums. To support optimal healing, focus on consuming nutrient-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
After undergoing surgery to treat your receding gums, you must prioritise your recovery. This means following the postoperative instructions provided by your surgeon closely and consistently.
Lastly, consider making lifestyle changes like quitting smoking or reducing alcohol consumption to improve overall health and support gum tissue regeneration after surgery.