Your gums play a vital role in maintaining oral health, vitality, and integrity. These are soft tissues that surround your teeth and help anchor them firmly. Any infection or inflammation can compromise the oral form, function, and aesthetics. Among all the manifestations of gum disease, gum recession is common and can be debilitating.
Salida, CO dentist and their team of periodontists (a doctor specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases related to the gums and the underlying bone) offer a comprehensive approach to treating gum recession. Read on to explore more about this condition and the effective treatment modalities.
What is gum recession?
Gum recession is a common manifestation of a severe form of gum disease. It is characterized by the pulling away of supporting tissues from your teeth, leading to an abnormal exposure of the tooth roots. This results in an increased tooth sensitivity to hot and cold things.
What causes gum disease?
Several causes can predispose you to develop gum recession, including:
- Brushing too hard or too aggressively
- Using a hard-bristled toothbrush
- Plaque or calculus buildup
- Periodontal disease
- Trauma or injury to the gums
- Misalignment
- Tobacco use
- Smoking
- Lip or tongue-piercing
What are the symptoms associated with gum recession?
The symptoms of gum recession may include the following:
- Root exposure of the affected tooth
- 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 treated?
The type of treatment for gum recession depends on the severity of the condition. Your dentist will first evaluate your oral cavity thoroughly, and recommend dental X-rays if required.
Your dentist may recommend any one of the following treatment options or a combination therapy.
Mild to moderate gum recession
- Topical or oral antibiotics
- Scaling and root planning
- Dental bonding using composite resins 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 taken from other places of your oral cavity and used to replace your missing gum tissue.
Early detection of gum recession is crucial. This can be treated successfully and halt the disease progression. Left untreated, gum recession can wreak havoc on your oral health. Know the warning signs to stay alert and seek dental care immediately to improve your overall quality of life.
