Receding Gums: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments.  

What are receding gums? 

The recession of gums is characterized by the process in which the boundaries of the gums surrounding the teeth wears away, or gets pulled back, exposing more of the tooth, it’s root. Usually, people don’t realize that they have gum recession because it occurs gradually. When the gum recession occurs, gaps form between the teeth and gums, making it easy for disease-causing bacteria to build up or for plaque build-up to affect the gums. If this condition is left untreated, the tissue and bone structures of the teeth can get severely damaged, and may ultimately result in loss of a tooth. The very initial signs of gum recession are usually tooth sensitivity,  you may notice a tooth looking longer than usual, or formation of “pockets”/gaps between teeth and gums.  

What is the cause of receding gums? 

 Receding of gums can occur due to a number of factors that are:  

Periodontal diseases 
Periodontal diseases are gum infections caused by bacteria that destroy gums and supporting bone that holds your teeth in place. They are also linked to causing heart strokes. Gum diseases are one of the main causes of gum recession. 

Genetics
Due to the genetic factor, certain people tend to be more susceptible to gum disease. So much so that certain studies show that 3/10 people of the population are made liable to gum disease, despite the fact of how well they take care of their dental health. 

Aggressive tooth brushing
Aggressive tooth brushing or brushing your teeth too hard / in the wrong way can cause the teeth enamel to wear away and your gums to recede. 

Insufficient dental care
Inadequate amount of brushing with fluoride toothpaste, flossing, and rinsing with antibacterial mouthwash makes it easy for plaque to turn into calculus (tartar). This leads to gum recession. 

Hormonal changes
Hormonal fluctuations during a woman’s lifetime, such as in puberty, pregnancy, and menopause, can make gums more sensitive and more vulnerable to gum recession due to excessive blood flow. 

What are the symptoms of receding gums? 

The symptoms of receding gums are very prominent but gradual. A watchful eye and regular check-up at the dentist can ensure an early diagnosis and prevention from any further complications. 

• Bleeding of gums while brushing or flossing 
• Irritation and pain in the gums and teeth margin 
• Shrinking of the gum tissues 
• Halitosis 
• Redness and swelling of gums  
• Exposed tooth roots 
• Loss of teeth 

How can receding gums be treated by surgical methods? 

Receding gums can be treated by a number of surgical methods. The specialist who treats it is called a Periodontist. 

Open flap scaling and root planning 

In this procedure, the dentist or periodontist folds back the affected gum tissue then removes the harmful bacteria from the pockets created between the gums and teeth due to gum recession, and then secures the gums in place over the tooth root this eliminates the pockets. 

Regeneration 

If the bone supporting your teeth has been destroyed due to gum recession. This procedure to regenerate lost bone and tissue may be recommended. A regenerative process such as using a material, like a membrane, graft tissue, or tissue-stimulating protein, is used to encourage the body to naturally regenerate bone and tissue in that particular area.  

Soft tissue grafts 
Out of all the types of graft procedures, the most commonly used method is called a connective tissue graft. In this procedure, a flap of skin is cut at the roof of your mouth and tissue from under the flap, is removed and then stitched to the gum tissue surrounding the exposed root.  

Your dentist will determine the best procedure you should undergo based on your individual needs. 

 How can receding gums be prevented? 

The best tools for the prevention of receding gums is to see a dentist for regular cleanings and check-ups. As it happens gradually, even if you don’t experience any symptoms at the moment, a dentist is an expert and will do the diagnosis to identify early signs of gum disease if any. One of the most important steps is to practice smart oral health habits. While regular flossing and brushing remove bacteria, food particles, and plaque, tartar may only be removed with dental cleaning. Although h 

 Final Note 

It would be a grave mistake to wait for signs to show. The practice of having a regular check-up at the dentist can prevent you from encountering any such painful encounters that hamper your dental health for a lifetime. Gum recession poses certain serious threats to your dental health ultimately resulting in loss of a tooth.