Can you fix receding gums?
4 min read
Having a good set of teeth can be very beneficial. It makes a person look attractive and helps to boost one’s confidence. Many people may have focused on teeth but gums also play a role in oral health. Having good oral health can help prevent many dental diseases from occurring. Regular health screening can help identify further issues relating with oral health and early treatment can be provided. In this article, we will be learning about receding gums and if you can actually fix it.
Gum recession is a part of periodontal diseases. Receding gums are a condition of the gums tissue that surrounds the teeth, wear away or pull back. Gum recession exposed tooth and the tooth’s root. Periodontal disease is a result of infection or inflammation of the gum and bone that functions to support the teeth. It is also considered to be a progressive form of gingivitis (inflammation of gums).
Receding gums is a common dental issue. Many people would not realise they do have gum recession as it occurs slowly. There are many causes for receding gums such as gum diseases, family history of gum diseases, history of smoking, medications that dry out the mouth and bad habits such as aggressive brushing, incorrect brushing and teeth clenching or grinding. Health conditions such as hormonal change or diseases such as diabetes and ageing can lead to receding gums. Injury from misalignment of teeth or bite and piercing of lip or tongue can irritate the gums and further cause receding gums. Some people are prone to gum disease making the person exposed to gum disease no matter how well they take care of their dental health.
Receding gums is a progressive gradual disease. Gum recession starts with gingivitis. Gingivitis causes redness and swelling gums. It may also lead to bleeding gums. When it is left untreated, it could lead to periodontitis. In periodontitis, the gum and the connective tissue pulls away, creating a space or gaps between the tooth and gum. This pocket of space makes it easy for bacteria to build up as it becomes the entryway. As time goes by, the bacteria will cause inflammation and when gum recedes further, it could lead to bone loss and teeth falling out.
Since receding gums can cause serious dental issues, it would be best to understand and know the signs or symptoms of gum recession. By knowing this information, you can get medical advice immediately and prevent further complications. Common symptoms include bleeding after brushing or flossing, swollen or red gums, bad breath, sensitive teeth and loose teeth. Teeth also appear to be longer and a notch can be felt where the gums meet the tooth which indicates shrinking gum line. The best way to know if you do have gum recession is to get examined by a dentist because even if you do see signs of receding gums, it can be difficult for you to tell if it is a gum recession or any other dental problems.
Receding gums can greatly affect oral health. The fact that it could lead to loss of teeth and inflammation symptoms that is very discomforting. The question now is, can you fix receding gums? Receding gums can be treated but to say it is able to be fixed is depending on the case as it is less likely for the gum to grow back. Treatments available aim to slow down or stop the progression of the disease and to reduce symptoms. Re-evaluation of proper dental care is usually the first consideration and initial treatment. This includes changing to a soft toothbrush, trying toothpaste catered for sensitive teeth and to regularly visit the dentist at least twice a year. Dentists might suggest scaling and root planing which involves removal of plaques and tartar that could not be reached by regular brushing. This also smooths the exposed root area that helps to reattach gum to the tooth, reducing risk for bacterial infection. Potential antibiotics may be prescribed by doctors in the form of oral medications, toothpaste, gel or mouthwashes. In the severe case of gum recession, surgery is needed. Surgery helps to provide deep cleaning, prevent bone loss and protect the previously exposed tooth from decay and fall off. Common surgery includes pocket reduction surgery, gum graft surgery, bone grafting and pinhole surgical technique.
Prevention is always better than cure. Receding gums can be prevented simply by following standard oral care. This means to brush teeth twice a day using a soft toothbrush, flossing once a day and see a dentist for a regular dental check-up of at least twice a year or as recommended by your dentist. Learn how to properly brush a tooth and the correct brushing technique from a dentist. If you often grind your teeth, wear a mouthguard that can be bought from the pharmacy or ask the dentist to provide a better fit custom mouthguard. Leave unhealthy habits such as smoking and do practise a healthy lifestyle such as eating balanced healthy meals. Always monitor for changes in the mouth so that whenever you have symptoms or sign of diseases related to oral health, you can immediately address it to a dentist.
