Strong, healthy gums are another feature of a good smile, in addition to having shining teeth. When gums start to recede, they can expose the roots of your teeth and cause serious issues for your teeth if not treated quickly. Many members of the community are searching for gum care treatment in Leduc in order to maintain their oral health and regain their confidence. We will explore what gum recession is, its causes, the warning signs, and the treatment options available.
What is Gum Recession?
Gum recession is when the gum tissue around your teeth begins to erode or get thinner, exposing more of the tooth or, in time, the root of the tooth. Gaps may form between the gums and teeth, which provides room for harmful bacteria to accumulate. Gum recession, if left untreated, can cause sensitive teeth, infection, or tooth loss.
Common Signs of Gum Recession
Identifying gum recession in its initial phase is crucial to safeguarding your dental health. Some of the signs to observe are:
- Teeth that appear longer than before
- Sensitive teeth to hot, cold, or sugary foods and beverages
- Exposed roots of your teeth
- Sore, reddened, or inflamed gums
- Bleeding while you brush or floss
If you notice any of these changes, it’s well worth a trip to your regular local Leduc dentist to have your gums examined and to talk over treatment.
What are the Causes of Gum Recession?
Recognizing the problem is your first step to fixing it. Here are some common gum recession causes:
- Poor brushing techniques – Brushing too hard or using a hard-bristle toothbrush can cause damage to your gums.
- Gum disease – Bacterial infections can destroy both gum tissue and any supporting bone.
- Genetic predisposition – Some people have naturally thinner tissue than others.
- Tobacco use – Using tobacco products, specifically smoking or chewing, can ruin gum health.
- Bruxism – Clenching or grinding too much puts too much force on the gums.
- Misaligned teeth – having teeth that are not aligned means uneven pressure on certain teeth, leading to wear and ultimately gum destruction.
How to Stop Gum Recession
You can’t always reverse gum loss if it gets advanced enough, but you can take steps to prevent it from getting worse. If you’re asking yourself how to stop gum recession, here are a few tips:
- Be gentle when brushing your teeth– use a soft-bristled toothbrush and light pressure.
- Continue to floss– Flossing every day takes care of bacteria between your teeth.
- Visit your dentist for check-ups and cleanings- Seeing a dentist will allow your dentist to spot a problem while it is small.
- Wear a nightguard– If you are a teeth grinder, a nightguard protects your teeth and decreases pressure.
- Stop smoking, or quit using tobacco– You can improve your overall oral health tremendously.
- Treat gum disease as soon as possible– Treating gum disease early is key to avoiding further damage.
Treatment Options for Gum Recession
The appropriate treatment differs depending on the severity of your gum recession. Treatment options include :
- Professional cleaning – Removal of stubborn plaque and tartar may help control your infection.
- Scaling and root planing – A deep cleaning procedure to smooth rough root surfaces, which may allow the gums to reattach.
- Gum grafting – In some advanced cases, tissue will be put over the exposed roots.
- Ongoing maintenance – Good daily habits combined with use of the dentist to maintain regular appointments will allow the best chance for maintaining healthier gums in the long term.
Your dentist will discuss which treatment could be suitable for your case.
Healthy Gums, Healthy Smile with Suntree Dental
Keeping your gums healthy is equally important as keeping your teeth healthy. If you have had sensitivity, noticed changes in your gums or maybe have signs of recession, do not wait for it to get worse. At Suntree Dental, our team of professionals want to help you maintain your smile with personalized solutions, no matter what your needs are. If you need preventative care or treatment for gum issues, we will be with you each step of the way.
Start your path to a healthier smile by booking your appointment today at Suntree Dental in Leduc! Treat your gums today and give them the attention they deserve!
