Tooth recession, or gum recession, can be caused by a variety of factors.
If you’re concerned that the fleshy part of your mouth is lower than usual, come see us at Lola Escalante | Dental Office—but here’s a heads-up on the causes and how to prevent it:
Why do gums recede?
There are various reasons why gum recession occurs. Some of the most important ones are as follows:
- Genetic predisposition.
- Brushing your teeth too hard .
- Conditions that contribute to this tooth retraction, such as malocclusion.
- Conditions such as bruxism, in some of its forms.
- Gum diseases, such as gingivitis or periodontitis.
- Dry mouth, whether caused by natural factors or by the use of medications.
- Diseases such as diabetes.
- Gums that are very weak or very thin.
- Treatments such as dental restorations that come into contact with the gums.
- Orthodontic treatment that has been ineffective.
- Habits such as biting your nails or any other object.
- A condition caused by a surgical procedure you have undergone.
- Smoking.
- Poor oral hygiene.
How can you prevent gum recession?
It’s important to pay attention to your habits so you can avoid whatever is within your control.
For example, if you practice good oral hygiene, you’ll avoid these kinds of problems. Also, avoid damaging the soft tissue in your mouth by brushing too hard.
Furthermore, it’s essential to put yourself in the right hands when undergoing a procedure, such as orthodontic treatment or a dental restoration that will come into contact with your gums. Choose carefully who will treat this very important aspect of your health.
If you have Bruxism or malocclusion (which are often linked)—make sure to seek treatment from a qualified professional as soon as possible, because otherwise the problem could develop or worsen if it already exists.
Avoid biting your nails. In addition, getting your teeth cleaned as often as your dentist recommends will help prevent your gums from receding. If, for reasons beyond your control, gum recession does occur, these regular checkups will make it easy to detect the problem before it gets worse. That way, you can treat it as soon as possible.
But…
See a specialist if you notice that the area is swollen, inflamed, irritated, bleeding, oozing, or painful. Persistent bad breath or the feeling that your teeth are loose are other warning signs.
What is the solution for receding gums?
Unfortunately, gum tissue does not heal on its own. You will need to undergo treatment to correct this problem.
The most common approach is to perform a soft tissue graft. This is a minimally invasive procedure that yields excellent results. The missing tissue is taken from the affected person’s palate. There is plenty of it there, so this won’t be a problem. After removing it, an autograft is performed on the affected area.
Now is the time for you to visit the dentist to have your oral health checked.
