receding gums
What are receding gums?
They are known as receding gums or gingival retraction, and it is a health problem that you should not ignore.
What is a receding gum?
First of all, receding gums are a fairly common dental health problem that affects a large number of people.
It is basically a product of the weakening of the gingival tissue (gums), which causes loss of volume and produces overexposure of the tooth.
Although it may seem like an aesthetic problem that detracts from the harmony of the smile, it is actually a complex pathology that, if not treated in time, can leave the root exposed and lead to irreversible tooth loss.
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What causes a receding gum?
Although there are less common cases such as poorly performed orthodontics or severe trauma; Below we refer to the main causes of gingival tissue loss.
Poor dental hygiene
First of all, poor oral hygiene habits are the main cause of periodontal disease and its possible consequences.
In fact, the accumulation of bacteria produced by poor oral hygiene gives rise to the formation of tartar, bacterial plaque and dental calculus that can only be eliminated with prophylaxis carried out by a specialist in the office.
Periodontal disease
As soon as inflammation of the gums occurs due to the accumulation of bacterial plaque, we will be in the presence of a case of gingivitis.
Without a doubt, gingivitis without adequate treatment will evolve into periodontitis; which produces gingival retraction as the disease progresses.
aggressive brushing
When daily brushing is done with great force or the brush has very hard bristles, over time it is normal for a weakening of the gingival tissue to occur, which in many cases also leaves the root exposed.
Consequently, the appearance of a receding gum is frequent; with the canines being the first to be exposed, followed by the incisors.
Smoking
In the same way, it has been shown that tobacco consumption is harmful to health and this is not limited only to the respiratory system.
When smoking, teeth become stained, gums become inflamed and weakened, while bacteria
They advance, causing gingival retraction and accelerating periodontal disease.
Bruxism
Likewise, when the involuntary friction occurs that makes the teeth of the bruxist patient grind, pressure is also generated on the gingival tissue.
Consequently, even if it is not an intentional cause, the gums will end up receding; Therefore, it is important to check with the specialist to receive the appropriate treatment.
Symptoms of receding gums
Symptoms of receding gums may include:
Tooth root exposure.
Tooth sensitivity.
Swollen or red gums.
Bleeding gums.
Bad breath.
Mobility of the teeth.
Appearance of spaces between teeth.
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What is the best treatment for receding gums?
Without a doubt, the best solution begins with the recognition of the causes that have caused receding gums and to do so it is essential to consult with a qualified specialist who will guide the actions according to your diagnosis.
However, some periodontal aesthetic surgical techniques that are used in the most severe cases to recondition receding gums and prevent tooth loss are:
gum lift
Through microsurgery, part of the gum is stretched to cover the exposed section of the tooth.
gum micrografting
It consists of removing a section of tissue from the palate to place a gum graft in the area where tissue loss has occurred.
Is there a natural solution for receding gums?
Obviously there are no home or natural remedies that help regenerate receding gums.
In any case, there are modifiable habits such as poor brushing, aggressive brushing or cigarette consumption on which changes can be made for the benefit of the patient.
An example consists of applying prophylaxis to eliminate the accumulation of tartar and plaque caused by poor brushing, educating the patient to apply a healthy technique and inducing them to abandon practices that are harmful to their health in the case of smokers.
Unquestionably, receding gums are an aesthetic and functional problem to which we can provide a solution; But even so, you should not leave it until later since it can have irreversible consequences, among them: the loss of teeth.
For this reason, in our office we offer the best alternatives to respond to each need; giving our patients a harmonious and healthy smile. Contact us and book your next appointment.
Complications and dangers of untreated gum recession
If gum recession does not receive adequate treatment in time, complications and dangers to oral health may arise, including:
Accumulation of bacteria and plaque in exposed areas of tooth roots, which can lead to the formation of cavities and periodontal disease.
Increased tooth sensitivity due to exposed tooth root.
Increased risk of tooth loss caused by degradation of supporting tissue.
Compromised dental aesthetics caused by the negative appearance of receding gums.
Increased risk of infections and dental abscesses.
Frequently asked questions about receding gums
How to get rid of receding gums naturally?
Although we have already explained that there is no miracle cure for receding gums, it is possible to prevent them naturally by avoiding the damage caused by bad habits such as smoking or abrasive brushing.
However, some natural products can provide some improvement and help control the progression of this problem.
That is why you can incorporate a vitamin C supplement into your diet, massage your gums with a light baking soda solution, include flossing, avoid sugary drinks and eat probiotic foods.
Why do the gums recede?
Periodontal disease, poor oral hygiene, cigarette smoking, and aggressive brushing technique are among the most common causes of gingival recession.
On the other hand, people with vitamin C deficiency or who have received poorly performed orthodontic treatments can also suffer from this problem.
How do I know if I have receding gums?
First of all, you should pay attention to some signs related to the appearance of your teeth and gums when brushing.
Some of them may be: loss of tissue, swollen gums or gums with changes in color, bleeding, dental hypersensitivity, and teeth that look longer than before or that become loose for no apparent reason.
What can I do to improve my gums?
Without a doubt, the best option to achieve effective results is to go to the office of a professional dentist.
In fact, once you have performed the scan and established your diagnosis; The specialist will help you start adequate treatment by doing an approach with scaling and root planing (the main procedure applied in these cases).
That is why one of the most important steps if you really want to recover the health of your gums is to have the objective guidance of an expert.
Is there any home remedy for receding gums?
Some medicinal plants have properties that help control receding gums; but you should keep in mind that its scope is limited.
The application of aloe vera, sage, green tea and coconut oil; are some of the most common home remedies to counteract this condition.
Do receding gums grow back?
Unquestionably, this is the main reason why you should take care of your gums; since once the retraction process occurs, they do not grow back.
However, today it is possible to offer solutions to patients with this problem, thanks to gum graft surgical alternatives that help regenerate lost tissue when there is already significant damage.
What are the consequences of having receding gums?
In addition to an obvious aesthetic problem that shows the teeth practically until the root is exposed; Receding gums have other implications on your oral health.
While tooth sensitivity increases and teeth become more prone to developing cavities; Periodontal disease can worsen and lead to imminent tooth loss.
For this reason, if you notice the first symptoms of retraction; The most convenient thing is to request professional help and try to control the progress of this condition so that it does not get worse.