Receding gums – how can a dentist help you?

Receding gums is a dental problem which is often overlooked by most of us. It is a condition where the gums shrink and pull away from the teeth exposing the root areas. If left unchecked, the gums can recede to such an extent that they leave almost the entire surface of the roots exposed to bacteria and deprive them of essential nutrients. This eventually leads to loosening of the tooth and subsequent tooth loss. There are several reasons for gum recession which include:

1. Gum disease (periodontitis)
2. Brushing teeth hard or with a hard toothbrush
3. Hormonal changes (pregnancy, menopause, menstruation)
4. Chewing of tobacco
5. Grinding of teeth (bruxism)
6. Diabetes mellitus
7. Drug abuse
8. Malnutrition
9. Crowding of teeth or malpositioned teeth
10. Genetics

Treatment of gum recession primarily involves the removal of the causative agent. If recession is tied to deep gum disease (periodontitis), deep cleaning at the dentist’s office can markedly arrest the recession process. Professional teeth cleaning chiefly removes plaque and tartar deposits built up around the tooth crown and root surfaces. The offending substances are removed leaving a smooth and clean tooth surface below and above the gum line. In severe cases of periodontitis, there may be excess loss of jaw bone around the affected tooth, which will necessitate gum surgery to repair the damage. Surgical intervention involves the placement of graft tissue at the site of recession to promote regeneration of the lost gum tissue.

Besides dental intervention, it is important to bring about changes in your lifestyle to avoid recurrence of the problem.

1. First off, ask your dentist to teach you the right method of brushing. Always use a soft bristle brush and be  gentle while you scrub your teeth.

          Read our blog to learn to brush the right way here

2. When you floss, do not apply excessive force as it might cut your gums. Our blog on flossing can help you floss the right way.

3. Quit smoking and using tobacco-containing products. Smoking shrinks the gum tissue and accelerates the recession process.

4. If you suffer from para-functional habits such as teeth grinding or clenching, wear a nightguard when you sleep. To know more on nightguards read our blog here.

5. If your teeth are misaligned or crooked, get them straightened through orthodontic treatment with braces or aligners (Invisalign).

6.  Most importantly visit your dentist at least once in 6 months. This will help your dentist to identify the signs of recession and treat the problem at an early stage.

For dental hygiene services, contact Green Meadow Dental, 3579B Berlin Turnpike, Newington, CT 06111, phone: (865)-860-0056.  Families from Southington find the easy drive to Newington well worthwhile because or our expertise and modern facilities, our friendly dental team and the relaxing disposition of Dr. Mukund.We also serve patients from surrounding areas including West Hartford, Meriden and Portland.