Receding gums is a condition that slowly creeps on you, and many people do not notice they have a problem until they require treatment at their dental clinic. There are various reasons your gums recede as you get older, and there are also different treatments available to combat the condition. Below are some of the most common reasons your gums might be receding and what you can expect your dentist to do to correct the problem.

Why Do Gums Recede

When it comes to why your gums are receding, there can be various causes, and it can be down to how you take care of your teeth and gums or even your genes. Some of the most common causes of gum disease are as follows:

  • Brushing Your Teeth Too Aggressively – By brushing your teeth too hard or not correctly, you can wear away the enamel on your teeth and cause the gums to recede.
  • Periodontal Disease – Periodontal diseases are a bacterial infection in the mouth which destroys the gums and the bones that hold the teeth in place and is the leading cause of receding gums.
  • Hormonal Changes – You can also become more prone to gum disease when there are significant hormonal changes in your body, such as puberty, pregnancy, and menopause.
  • It Is In Your Genes – Up to 30% of people are more prone to receding gums and gum disease due to their genes, no matter how well they take care of their teeth.
  • Smoking – Smokers can often have a build-up of plaque on their teeth which is sticky and hard to remove and can lead to receding gums.

How To Treat Receding Gums?

If you notice a problem with your gums receding, one of the first things you should do is consult an expert. In Australia, for example, many patients consider Face Value Dental the best dentist in Brisbane. They will be able to look at the issue and let you know what options you have available to correct the condition. They may offer one or all the following treatments:

  • Pinhole Surgery – A new and innovative technique for combating receding gums is the pinhole surgery patented by John Chao, D.D.S., which does not use a scalpel or sutures. Needles are inserted in the gums to loosen the gum tissue, so it can be pulled over to cover the teeth. There is almost an instant boost to cosmetic appearance, and there are fewer side effects for patients.
  • Regeneration – If the bone that supports the teeth has become damaged, it is sometimes possible to regenerate the bone to combat the receding gums. The gums are cut back and cleaned to remove bacteria and folded away while the dentist inserts a graft or membrane that helps the bone regenerate.
  • Soft Tissue Graft – Another technique is to graft soft tissue into the affected area, and the skin is typically taken from the roof of the mouth to do this. If you are lucky, there is enough soft tissue surrounding the affected area that the dentist can use rather than taking skin from the palate.

These are some of the causes and treatment of receding gums, and there are more besides these. If you have any worries about your teeth or gums’ health, consult your local dentist today and help bring back that winning smile.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This div height required for enabling the sticky sidebar