Healthy gums are the foundation of good oral health. Poor gum health has been found to have a profound effect on your physical health. Gum disease can negatively impact your oral form and aesthetics and pave the way for several other oral issues. Gum recession is the most striking form of gum disease.
The dental care in Hollywood, FL, offered by skilled and trained dentists, helps patients by early detection and management of gum recession. Read on to know everything about the gum recession.
What is gum recession?
Gum recession is a form of gum disease wherein your gum tissue pulls away from your teeth, exposing the roots underneath. This makes your teeth more vulnerable, making them extremely sensitive when brushing or eating. Also known as receding gums, it can be mild, moderate, or severe.
What causes gum recession?
Your gums may recede for several reasons, including:
- Brushing too hard or too aggressively
- Plaque or calculus buildup
- Periodontal disease
- Trauma or injury to the gums
- Misalignment
- Tobacco use
- Smoking
- Lip or tongue-piercing
What are the symptoms of gum recession?
The most striking sign of receding gums is tooth root exposure. Other signs and symptoms may include:
- Gnawing pain near the gum line
- Increased tooth sensitivity to heat, cold, and sweets
- Sensitivity when brushing or flossing teeth
- Sensitivity during dental cleanings
- Halitosis (bad breath)
- Aesthetically unappealing smile
- Loose teeth
How is gum recession diagnosed?
Gum recession can be easily diagnosed during a routine oral examination. Your dentist will use a periodontal probe to measure the amount of gum recession on each tooth. The probe can also help measure the depth of the periodontal pockets to assess the amount of bone loss.
How is gum recession treated?
Gum recession treatment depends on the severity of the condition.
Mild to moderate gum recession
- Topical antibiotics
- Scaling and root planing
- Dental bonding to camouflage the area of recession with tooth-colored composite resin.
- Orthodontic treatment like braces for crooked or rotated teeth causing gum recession.
Severe gum recession
Severe gum recession is usually treated through surgical intervention such as gum grafting. During the surgery, a graft is used to replace your missing gum tissue.
Takeaway
Gum recession is a common form of gum disease. Early detection can be treated successfully and halt the disease progression. Left untreated, gum recession can wreak havoc on your oral health. As soon as you notice any receding of the gum tissue, seek dental care to prevent further deterioration.