Pop Quiz: What role do our gums play in oral health? We rarely think about the gum tissue in our mouth unless it’s hurting, bleeding, or swollen. However, gum tissue is vital to oral health. It works in tandem with tooth sockets in the jawbone and connective tissues to hold teeth securely in place. Gums also protect teeth roots, which are not coated with protective enamel. When a person experiences gum recession, sensitive teeth roots cause pain when exposed to pressure or temperature changes. If gums recede an excessive amount, teeth can loosen and even fall out.
If your gums are red, swollen, tender, or bleed when you brush your teeth, you may have developed gum disease, also known as gingivitis or periodontal disease. Gum disease is the primary cause of gum recession. Gum recession calls for treatment by a respected dentist in Homewood, like those at Signature Smile Arts. We invite you to call 708-799-5353 today for a consultation and solution to your oral health concerns.
Why Gum Recession Occurs
Gum disease is the leading cause of gum recession, but these factors also play a role:
- Aging
- Genetics
- Teeth grinding (bruxism)
- Poor oral hygiene
- Misaligned bite (malocclusion)
- Brushing teeth too hard
- Using a hard-bristled toothbrush
About Gum Disease
Estimates reveal that about half of all Americans suffer from gum disease of some level. While gingivitis is the earliest stage, without professional treatment, gingivitis advances to periodontitis, then acute periodontitis. During the disease process, gums develop an infection, usually due to poor oral hygiene, but some medications and medical treatments, as well as hormone changes, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption promote the development of gum disease.
At each of your checkups, which you should attend twice a year, the dentist examines gum tissues, looking for signs of recession, lesions, and other abnormalities. At dental cleanings, a hygienist removes all plaque and tartar from teeth and records the depth of pockets that form at the meeting point of teeth and gums. As the disease progresses, these periodontal pockets increase in size. Pockets form when bacteria erode the connective tissues between teeth and gums. In the dark, damp, warm environment, bacteria thrive and disease spreads.
Signature Smile Arts recommends deep cleaning to treat gum disease. A deep cleaning takes a few visits and involves scaling teeth to remove plaque and calcified plaque, or tartar, from below the gum line. It also entails smoothing teeth roots to remove ridges where bacteria accumulate. Gum disease is chronic, so regular maintenance visits will be recommended.
Treatments for Gum Recession Not Caused by Gum Disease
If you do not suffer from gum disease, but only gum recession, we may recommend gum grafting. With this procedure, dead and diseased gum tissue is removed. Next, healthy graft tissue is attached so that it bonds with existing healthy gum tissue. With time, the gums can completely heal. It’s important to take excellent care of your gums after grafting so that you do not develop gum disease.
Gum Recession Is Treatable
Whether gum disease, brushing too hard, or genetics have caused gum recession, our dentists have the expertise, tools, and treatments to restore total oral and periodontal health. Note that without professional intervention, gum disease will progress to cause increasingly troublesome problems. Don’t wait until a little gum recession advances. Call Signature Smile Arts at Homewood today at 708-799-5353 or go online today to schedule an examination and consultation.
