If you've observed that your teeth appear longer than before, it's crucial to pay close attention. This could be a sign of gum recession, a condition that can increase the likelihood of sensitivity, cavities and even tooth loss.
Gum recession refers to the slow-motion process in which your gums start pulling away from the teeth surface revealing the roots underneath. The Cleveland Clinic points out this problem might affect any part or all over your mouth or could only occur around one single tooth.
The issue may be self-evident as soon as you look at yourself in mirror reflection, and mild cases usually don't trigger other symptoms. However, if left untreated and becomes more severe with time, it can prompt dental pain and increased sensitivity along with loose sensation in teeth.
Understanding what triggers this contraction holds primary importance for treating this distressing condition effectively. Given below are seven potential causative factors behind receding gums and ways through which you safeguard both gums' health alongside preserving your pearly whites.
1. Excessive Force During Brushing
Maintaining consistent brushing habits is crucial to oral health. However, an excess in vigor during this routine can trigger gum tissue annoyance, resulting in inflammation and potentially leading to the regression of gums over time, as stated by a study published on Dental Press Journal Orthodontics in May 2016.
A similar issue arises when using a toothbrush that has overly stiff bristles. Even those with medium-firmness can be harsh for your gumline, hence it's recommended to opt for brushes with soft bristles only.
2. Accumulation of Plaque or Tartar
When you don't brush frequently, it can also lead to gum shrinkage. Ignoring oral hygiene allows plaque (a bacteria-filled sticky layer on teeth formed from food) and tartar (solidified plaque which can initiate tooth decay) to accumulate along the gums, leading to inflammation.
Due to this, "the tissue may get impacted detrimentally becoming more prone to recession," states Dr. Wei.
3. The Cause can be Gum Disease
Deposits of plaque and tartar can gradually accumulate below the gum line, leading to an escalated level of inflammation in your gums, potentially resulting in gum disease or infection of the gums.
The issue can trigger inflamed, red, and swollen gums that may consequently recede. This is according to information from National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research .
As time goes by, extreme stages of gum disease could make chewing an excruciating task and might even lead to wobbly teeth or ultimately tooth fall out.
4. Teeth Grinding Issues
Continuous teeth grinding applies pressure on your gums which may lead to swelling and inflammation over a period of time. The continuous inflammation can eventually result in gum recession, as per Dr. Wei.
Teeth grinding, medically referred to as bruxism, is a condition that can affect anyone regardless of their age or health status. This problem is often instigated by uncontrolled anxiety according to Mayo Clinic. Majority of those who suffer from this condition are unconscious about these occurrences because it typically happens during sleep. However, signs such as tooth pain or sensitivity, tense jaw muscles plus headaches or pain around the jaw area including neck and ears could point out towards occurrence of bruxism.
5. Misalignment in Your Teeth
Teeth that are improperly set or twisted may damage your gum health.
"If teeth aren't properly aligned, the gum tissue shielding the root might be more prone to injury and deterioration from normal activities like eating or brushing. This could result in receding gums," acknowledges Dr. Wei.
6. Smoking or Utilizing Tobacco
Smoking can result in teeth stains but it doesn't switch off there—it has a negative impact on your gum health too.
The use of tobacco hampers the capability of your immune system to fight against infections, making your gums susceptible to inflammation and recession, as reported by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Further, if you are indulged in smoking long-term, chances increase that you will face issues with your gums.
7. The Role of Your Lip or Tongue Piercing
A piercing in your mouth can heighten the likelihood of progressive gum recession, according to Dr. Wei.
The piercing might trigger irritation and swelling that end up leading to receding gums. Otherwise, it could inflict an injury harmful enough to damage both your teeth and gum tissue, thereby inciting inflammation in the gums, alludes Dr.Wei.
Steps to Halt Gum Deterioration
You might want to think twice when it comes to getting your receding gums back. It's quite disheartening but the fact is, once experiencing gum recession, rejuvenating them at home or anywhere isn't that feasible. However, there are beneficial measures you can enact to avert further deterioration of your gums and this revolves around maintaining basic hygiene.
Dr. Wei suggests "Maintain prime dental cleanliness as the finest approach."
To safeguard your teeth and gums effectively, take into consideration these pointers provided by ADA:
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Regular brushing (twice a day) and habitual flossing are indispensable. A steady yet delicate touch while brushing would avoid any possible infliction on your gums. If an electric toothbrush is in use, just guide it lightly without shoving too hard; simply let the brush perform its duties.
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Make regular use of mouth rinses specifically antibacterial variants which aid in eliminating bacteria triggering gum ailment.
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Frequent visits for oral checkups should be routine ideally 2 times/yearly cleanings along with inspections will help detect issues early on.
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Breaking free from smoking will work wonders for more efficient combating against gum disease-causing infections.
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Any potential concerning dental issues like crooked teeth or signs of grinding that might detrimentally affect your health need immediate attention; consult promptly with dentists over such kinds of situations.
Consultation with a Dentist for Gum Recession
You'd do well to check in with your dentist semi-annually for routine monitoring. However, should you observe symptoms such as gum recession-like pain or unease around the area of your gums, heightened sensitivity in teeth or gums, or erratic loose teeth during these biannual visits, it is advised by Dr. Wei that an additional appointment be scheduled.
"Assessing the level of your gum recession to propose a fitting treatment method will be the responsibility of your dentist," he further clarifies.
The potential methods for addressing receding gums as cited by Cleveland Clinic may consist of:
- Intensive cleaning - This aims at eliminating bacteria accountable for gum disease and inflammation.
- Application of topical antibiotics - These are equally effective in addressing issues related to gum disease.
- Dental bonding - This technique uses a material similar in color to tooth that covers exposed roots making them less visible and easing associated discomfort like sensitive teeth.
- Orthodontic procedures - Help rectify misalignment occurring within the dentition set up
- Gum graft surgery procedure - Typically this entails sourcing tissue from within your oral palate roof which then attaches onto the existing receded points on line of gums.
