The worry that you may lose your teeth because of gum recession is a valid one. It’s a good question, and I’m delighted you asked it, because everyone should be aware of the solution and its rationale.
In this post, we’ll go over the potential dangers to your teeth, the outcomes if you have tooth loss, and the measures we may take to keep that from happening. So, let’s just get right in!
Concerned readers, I hope you take heart in knowing that we can take action now to avoid future dental issues. For more information on these treatments, read on, but first, let’s investigate some of the potential causes of gum recession.
Gum recession: what’s the deal?
Teeth with healthy gums around them are secure. Plaque, a biofilm that forms when food particles and saliva combine, typically gathers at the gum line. Because of its acidic nature, plaque gradually damages the gum tissue that supports teeth. Gum recession occurs when gum tissue becomes too weak to hold onto the tooth and begins to separate from it. An example of gingival recession.
Many of the most prevalent adult dental issues is receding gums. The onset may be delayed by years, and the disease’s progression may be so subtle that the patient is unaware he or she is gradually losing irreplaceable organs or tissues. There is a risk that gum recession will go undetected until a molar or teeth begin to appear longer.
When do gums stop receding?
When gums recede far enough, the crown of the tooth’s root will become exposed. The ligament and bone can potentially sustain damage that is not immediately apparent. The condition of receding gums must be treated without delay if serious complications are to be avoided.
Causes and risk factors
Periodontal Disease
The CDA of California reports that 75 percent of adults have periodontal disease. That includes gum recession as well.
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an infection involving inflammation of the tissues and supporting tissues of the teeth and mouth. There is inflammation because of a buildup of plaque, which is a bacterial deposit.
Periodontal disease may have multiple potential causes or contributors.
- bad dental hygiene
- teeth that are naturally crooked, have had fillings that broke or failed, or are supported by bridges or partial teeth that no longer fit
- Medications that dry the mouth Hormonal changes like pregnancy or oral contraception
- abnormalities of the immunological system
- accentuate the use of tobacco in any form
When it comes to periodontal disease, there are two distinct phases:
Gingivitis
Redness, swelling, and even bleeding are all symptoms of gingivitis. Periodontitis can develop from gingivitis if it isn’t treated.
Periodontitis
The gums may become unsightly and eventually fall away if you have periodontitis, the advanced stage of periodontal disease. Pulling apart of the gum and connecting tissues exposes the tooth’s root and creates a space in which germs can thrive. As time passes, the irritation gets worse due to the germs. Gum recession can cause bone loss and eventual tooth loss if not treated.
Forceful or incorrect brushing
It’s important to wash your teeth twice a day, at least, if you want to keep your mouth healthy. However, gum recession can be caused by improper brushing techniques. What’s called the gingival margins is the area of gum that actually touches the crown of the tooth. The gingival edge is easily damaged by improper or excessive brushing, which can lead to inflammation and recession of the gums. Incorrect brushing habits can lead to gum recession because of:
- vigourous scrubbing with a hard or intermediate toothbrush in a horizontal motion causes clacking and grind of teeth.
It’s not uncommon for folks to clench their jaws or grind their teeth at night. Gum recession can occur as a result of the constant pressure exerted on the teeth during a grinding motion.
As a corollary, teeth grinding can lead to a loss of dental stability, which can then lead to the loss of individual teeth. Further, the grinding action generates spaces in between tooth and indeed the gum where germs can thrive. Inflammation of the gums caused by these bacteria might lead to further gum recession.
Injury
Experiencing localised gum recession may be the result of localised gum damage. The following are examples of possible situations where such injuries could occur:
- when performing contact sports while wearing theyll partial dentures and falling down
Drugs
Dry mouth is a common side effect of some drugs. The possibility of gum recession is raised. If your mouth feels dry, it’s because you aren’t producing enough saliva. Lack of saliva might leave your mouth’s tissues open to pathogenic bacteria and trauma.
The CDA reports that persons aged 40 and up have the highest incidence of gum recession. This is why it’s easy to mistake it for a natural part of becoming older. Gum recession also affects more men than women.
Symptoms of receding gums
Gum recession can manifest in a number of ways.
- gums that bleed when brushed or flossed red and swollen
- Irritation and/or bleeding of the gums
- shrunken gums
- Roots of Teeth Bared
- missing teeth
Will My Teeth Fall Out From Receding Gums?
Recession of the gums and periodontal disease are the leading causes of tooth loss in adults, according to statistics. Due to the instability of teeth caused by gum tissue loss, this is the case. An expanding staph infection in the gums can spread to the supporting ligament and bone, compromising tooth stability.
Eventually, there won’t be enough gum to keep teeth in place, and that’s when things will really start to speed up. Because of this, the teeth are at risk of being lost, but they are usually pulled by the dentist first.
Diagnosis
Periodontal disease, including receding gums, may only be identified by a dentist. The results of a physical checkup can be telling. Gum pockets can also be measured with a probe. An innocuous little ruler is all that’s needed for a probe, which is a rather common procedure. Normal pocket sizes are between 1 and 3 millimetres, as reported by the National Institutes of Dental in Craniofacial Research. Disease of the gums is indicated by a size more than a.
When gum recession is suspected, a visit to the periodontist may be in order.
Treatment
Medications
An experienced periodontist can help you figure out the best way to treat your gums and teeth. To start, antibiotics may be recommended if a gum infection is detected. In addition to antibiotics, other drugs may be utilised to address the underlying cause of gum recession. Alternatives could consist of:
- enzyme suppressants, antimicrobial mouthwash, antiseptic chips, and topical antibiotic gel
Surgery
Gum recession is a serious problem that may require surgical intervention in extreme circumstances. Flap surgery with grafting are the two most common alternatives.
Flap surgery is a form of deep tissue cleaning done when other therapies have failed. Gum disease and tartar are both eliminated. In order to execute this process, a periodontist will lift the tissues and then replace them thereafter. After having flap surgery, the teeth may appear even longer than before because the gums have been reshaped to better encompass the tooth.
The purpose of bone and gum grafting is similar: to restore damaged structures. During the operation, the periodontist may use a synthetic fragment or a small piece of bone bone tissue to stimulate new gum growth. Please remember that good dental hygiene is crucial to the long-term success of this procedure.
The surgical options for gum recession include:
Scaling And Root Planing
Your dentist may recommend scaling and project is implemented if you are experiencing gum recession. Two visits to the dentist are required for this treatment. It begins with scraping away all the tartar and plaque both above and beneath the gum line.
The next step is for your dentist to do root planing, a procedure in which the roots of your teeth are smoothed out to encourage gum tissue to reattach to the tooth. It may need more than one appointment to finish the process, and our doctor may offer some local anaesthetic.
It is common for patients to have greater sensitivity and soreness in their gums after receiving therapy. For short-term use to minimise bacteria and prevent illness, your dentist may suggest using an antibiotic mouthwash such as Corsodyl 0.2% Mouthwash.
In many cases, scaling and cleaning are all that is required to restore gum health, but you should still see your dentist regularly for exams to make absolutely sure your gums aren’t receding any further. For the sake of your gums, it is also crucial that you keep up a regular regimen of good oral hygiene.
Is Gum Grafting Painful?
A local anaesthetic is used during gum grafting to numb the affected area of the mouth. Dentists who do tissue grafts may choose to use either the patient’s own tissue or tissue obtained from a donation bank, with either option requiring only a single incision. With the help of local anaesthesia, gum grafting can be completed with minimal discomfort.
Anesthesia is so effective that the patient may only feel a tiny pinch from the needle. However, the area around the extraction site on the top of the mouth may be tender for a couple days. However, if the lips are elevated to reach the roots, the treated teeth may also experience discomfort.
Patients may experience greater ease than with a traditional gum graft operation due to the use of laser technology, which is highly conservative as it does not necessitate incisions.
How Long Does It Take To Recover From Gum Graft Surgery?
Gum graft surgery often has a speedy recovery time. It is possible for patients to go back to work the next day after their surgery. However, discomfort or sensitivity to the teeth may persist for a few days.
You can ease your discomfort with some over-the-counter pain medication and some sensitive teeth toothpaste. Within a week to a fortnight, you should feel completely better.
Preventing receding gums
Regular dental examinations and cleanings are amongst the best ways to forestall gum recession. You may not feel anything is wrong, but a dentist will be able to tell if you have gum disease. Good dental hygiene is also an important factor in avoiding gum disease.
Brushing and flossing regularly can get rid of plaque and food debris, but a professional dental cleaning may be necessary to get rid of tartar. Biannual cleanings are recommended to reduce the chances of infection and receding gums caused by tartar buildup.
Preventing gum recession typically boils down to practising good dental hygiene:
- You should brush your teeth twice a day.
- Do not skip flossing.
- Protect your teeth and gums by using a soft-bristled toothbrush and brushing thoroughly twice a day.
Can Receding Gums Grow Back?
Gum tissue, unlike other types of tissue, does not regenerate. Therefore, gums cannot regenerate on their own after gum recession has begun. It’s important to see a dentist as soon as you see any signs of gum recession. If gum recession is treated early, the condition can be managed, and in some cases even reversed.
Use the correct brushing technique.
When you brush your teeth properly, you reduce the risk of gum recession.
The following recommendations are provided by the American Dental Association:
- At a 45-degree angle, press the bristles of the toothbrush on the gums.
- Put some pressure on the toothbrush and use short, delicate strokes to clean your teeth.
- Floss between the teeth and clean the chewing surfaces, inside of the teeth, and the outside of the teeth.
- You should hold the toothbrushes vertically to clean the chewing surfaces of your front teeth.
- Two minutes should be spent brushing teeth.
People with receding gums can also consult a dentist for guidance on how to adjust this method to their specific needs.
Wear a mouthguard
Gum recession caused by tooth grinding can be avoided with the use of a nighttime mouthguard. A mouthguard acts as a barrier between the upper and lower teeth, distributing force evenly across the jaw. Most drugstores and supermarkets sell protective mouthpieces. Better fitting mouthguards can be made by a dentist.
Replace ill-fitting dentures
Once comfortable partial dentures may no longer be suitable for the wearer’s mouth. Many things can cause this to occur, including but not limited to
- jaw misalignment normal wear and strain of the removable partial and ageing of the skeletal and gum ridges
Partially retracted gums reveal the healthy tooth structure underneath when partial dentures rub and discomfort the gums. Individuals can avoid this by regularly replacing their partial dentures.
Visit the dentist regularly.
Detecting gum recession in its earliest stages requires regular dental exams. Regular dental exams also allow for the detection and replacement of any decayed fillings or partial dentures that may be causing gum recession.
There is no way to regrow gums after they have retreated. However, there are ways to repair gum tissue and reattach it to the teeth. Gum recession is something that can be prevented, slowed, or even stopped with diligent oral care and regular dental exams. People who want individualised guidance on how to stop gum recession and heal damaged gums should consult a dentist.
Conclusion
When gum tissue loses its ability to firmly attach to the tooth, a condition known as gum recession sets place. In some cases, the disease may not show any symptoms for years, and its steady course may be so imperceptible to the patient that he or she does not realise vital organs or tissues are being lost. Gum recession occurs when the gum line recedes and becomes exposed to the tooth’s crown. Overzealous brushing with an intermediate or hard toothbrush in a horizontal motion that causes clacking and grinding of teeth can lead to gum recession. According to the CDA, people over the age of 40 have the highest rate of gum recession.
Adult tooth loss is most commonly caused by receding gums and periodontal disease. It is standard practise to use a probe to assess the depth of a patient’s gum pockets. Decide on the best treatment for gum recession with the help of a skilled periodontist. Successful long-term maintenance of this treatment relies heavily on diligent oral hygiene practises. Before a gum graft procedure begins, the area of the mouth being worked on is numbed using a local anaesthetic.
Your dentist may prescribe using an antibiotic mouthwash for temporary use. Unlike other tissues, gum tissue cannot be grown again. You should make an appointment with your dentist as soon as you notice any symptoms of gum recession. In many circumstances, gum recession can be stopped and even reversed if caught and treated early. Gum disease can be avoided in part by practising good oral hygiene.
With consistent dental hygiene and biannual checkups, gum recession can be avoided or reduced. A mouthguard protects your teeth from impact by creating a barrier between your upper and lower teeth. The best way to stop gum recession and treat damaged gums is to see a dentist for individualised advice.
Content Summary
- Gum recession can be a serious threat to your teeth, and losing them is a real possibility.
- Experiencing gum recession becomes more likely.
- Bone and gum grafting both have the same aim, which is to repair defects.
- There will be a total of two trips to the dentist for this procedure.
- Gum grafting can be performed with less discomfort thanks to local anaesthetic.
- The healing process after gum transplant surgery is typically quick.
- Practicing good dental hygiene is the cornerstone of avoiding gum recession:
- Teeth cleanings twice daily are recommended.
- Make sure you’re brushing the right way.
- A nighttime mouthguard can protect your gums from the recession that occurs when you grind your teeth in your sleep.
- Dentists can custom-make mouthguards that are more comfortable to wear.
- Maintain frequent dental checkups.
FAQs About Teeth Gums
Can you repair teeth gums?
If gum tissue has been lost your dentist may suggest soft tissue, or gum graft, surgery. This is where tissue is grafted from surrounding gums or the roof of your mouth and stitched to the gum tissue to cover the exposed root of your tooth.
How can I make my gums healthy again?
7 ways to keep the gums healthy- Brush the teeth properly. Share on Pinterest Brushing the teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste can help keep gums healthy. …
- Choose the right toothpaste. …
- Floss daily. …
- Rinse your mouth out with care. …
- Use mouthwash. …
- Get regular dental checkups. …
- Stop smoking.
What causes gum problems?
Periodontal (gum) disease is an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. It’s typically caused by poor brushing and flossing habits that allow plaque-a sticky film of bacteria-to build up on the teeth and harden.
Which gum is best for your teeth?
Chewing sugarless gum has been shown to increase the flow of saliva, thereby reducing plaque acid, strengthening the teeth and reducing tooth decay. American Dental Association.
Are gums more important than teeth?
Since your teeth and gums are so interconnected there is no way to determine which is more important. Gum problems can lead to teeth problems and teeth problems can lead to gum problems. The best course of action is to take excellent care of both your gums and teeth.
