What Are the Causes of Gum Recession?

Gum recession occurs when a person's gums are worn down or pushed back, leaving teeth roots exposed. The gums around a tooth might also recede if its position is abnormal. When a tooth's roots become exposed, the tooth has a higher risk of decaying, becoming infected and falling out. Gum recession is one of the main reasons why natural teeth fall out.

Fortunately, gum disease can be reversed when treatment is administered early on. There are also treatments that are used to deal with the symptoms of gum disease like tooth sensitivity, infections and toothaches. Treatments commonly used to treat gum recession include soft tissue grafts, medication and deep cleanings. Receding gums are quite common, but it can be hard to detect in its early stages.

What do the gums do?

When a person has receding gums, the gums around their teeth are damaged. Gum tissue contains blood vessels that help to keep the mouth healthy. The gums serve as a protective barrier that protects teeth roots from the acids in the mouth, and they help to hold teeth in place.

A person's gums are attached to their jawbone and, when healthy, the gums cover each tooth up to its neck.

Causes of gum recession

Anyone can end up with receding gums, but those with poor oral hygiene are most likely to develop it. Other factors that lead to gum disease include:

• Genetics
• The tooth's location
• Wearing down the gums by brushing too hard
• Misaligned teeth
• Damage from dental treatments
• Mouth piercings
• Gum disease

Gum disease leads to receding gums by causing inflammation of the gums. This is the first stage of gum disease. It creates space between the person's teeth and gums, plus it destroys connecting structures. The combination of these things leads to gum recession, leading to the release of antibodies to fight the bacterial infection.

Other factors that can increase a person's odds of developing gum disease include using tobacco products, a family history of receding gums, having thin gums and diabetes.

Treating periodontal disease

Mild cases of gum recession do not require any treatment. The dentist might simply educate the patient about how to properly brush and take care of their gums. For those with more severe cases, treatment options include:

• Using a desensitizing agent to reduce sensitivity in the exposed roots. These products contain agents that dull the nerve endings there
• A composite can be used to cover the exposed teeth roots. It can also be used to cover the gaps created by receding gums
• A pink composite can be used to fill up the areas the gums have receded from. It helps to eliminate the appearance of long teeth
• Gum veneers can be used to restore the look of a person's gums
• Gum grafts can be performed to restore lost soft tissue

Get relief today

Our clinic provides treatments that give you relief from the symptoms of gum disease. Contact our office today to explore your options and find out what works best for your unique situation.

Request an appointment here: https://smilesonmichigan.com or call Smiles On Michigan at (312) 509-9492 for an appointment in our Chicago office.

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