Gum or Gingivae is the pink tissue in the mouth that covers each tooth up to the neck and attach firmly to the jaw bone. Healthy and intact gum tissue protects the roots of the teeth.
Gum Recession is a common dental problem, it’s a condition in which this gum tissue surrounding the tooth wears away and pulls back exposing the tooth or the roots. Receding gums allow for a space between the tooth and the gum margin making room for disease-causing plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, to build up. Long-standing bacterial infection within the gums can lead to gum diseases such as Gingivitis or Periodontitis and in severe cases loss of a tooth.
Unlike some other tissues, the gum tissue does not regenerate and thus, receding gums don’t grow back! It is advisable, therefore, to catch the early signs of gum disease and prevent further damage.
Tooth sensitivity, loose gums creating a notch near the gum line making teeth look longer than usual, are a few signs you mustn’t ignore!
Poor oral hygiene, physical wear due to aggressive tooth brushing or using a very hard-bristled toothbrush, inflammation of tissue due to Periodontal diseases, hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause, grinding and clenching your teeth or very crooked teeth are some of the common causes of gum recession.
Aging, Smoking, and Diabetes are key risk factors for Gum recession.
How Can I Prevent Gum Recession?
If you have a thin gum tissue, you’re more susceptible to gum recession and thus you must be extra vigilant about caring for it. Use soft-bristled toothbrushes in a gentle, circular motion. Practice daily brushing and flossing and regular visits to the dentist. Orthodontic solutions to the better positioning of mal-aligned teeth leading to receding gums).
How can you treat Gum Recession?
Mild gum recession can be treated through deep cleaning the affected area. The deep cleaning involves scaling, plaque and tartar removal from below the gum line. Antibiotics also may be given to get rid of any remaining infection.
If your gum recession cannot be treated with deep cleaning because of excess loss of bone and pockets that are too deep, gum surgery may be required to repair the damage caused by gum recession.
The American Academy of Periodontology states that, “Research has shown that periodontal disease is associated with several other diseases.”
So, what is periodontal disease? According to the American Dental Association (ADA), “It is an infection of the tissues that surround and support your teeth. It is one of the major causes of tooth loss in adults.”
Gum disease occurs due to plaque, also known as the sticky film of bacteria that is regularly forming on our teeth. When it is not checked, the same bacteria can cause deep pockets between the teeth and gums. Gum disease can also lead to strokes, diabetes and heart diseases according to the National Health Service.
Gum disease increases the risk of heart diseases. However, research has not determined how periodontal disease causes heart disease to occur – yet, the link is still strong. Scientists have theorized that the inflammation triggered by gum disease might be responsible for the link between the two. Gum disease can also aggravate any existing heart conditions one might have. Patients with infective endocarditis may require prior antibiotic cover before undergoing cleaning or any treatment of the gums.
Gum disease can lead to some serious issues for people that have diabetes. One of the major issues is controlling the individual’s blood sugar levels as periodontal disease can cause the blood sugar levels to rise. Unfortunately, patients that have diabetes stand a higher chance of having gum disease as well. This is because infections are easily picked up if one already has diabetes.
There is a correlation between gum disease and suffering from a stroke according to scientists. Research indicates that stroke patients are more susceptible to have an oral infection compared to those that have not had a stroke.
The bacteria from periodontal disease can potentially cause respiratory diseases. This takes place when the bacteria from your mouth moves into your lungs.
When you look after your oral health and maintain a good oral hygiene routine it also promotes good overall health. You can reduce your risk of stroke, diabetes, heart diseases and respiratory diseases by attending regular gum disease check-ups at our clinic. Book your appointment online or send us an enquiry so that we can get one of our Treatment Coordinators in touch with you accordingly.
Your Dentist can help determine the most effective steps in slowing down or halting the further recession of your gums.
Scaling & Root Planning: Often the first step in treating receding gums, Scaling & Root Planning is a deep cleaning procedure done with a hand-held scraper or an ultrasonic device for scraping away tartar from your teeth and from under your gum line. Your dentist might also prescribe you an antibiotic mouthwash.
Brushing your teeth twice and flossing daily, regular check-ups with the dentist and cleaning every six months is advisable to maintain results. For a more severe case, your dentist might recommend a Flap Surgery or a Gum Graft. Surgery involves lifting up the gum tissues by making an incision, allowing access to deeply located bacteria. Healthy Gum tissue from another part of your mouth is surgically placed to the better appearance of the receded gum and prevent further damage.
