THE IMPORTANCE OF YOUR GUMS
Although your teeth are integral to how brilliant your smile is, your gums are equally as important. This delicate tissue in your mouth is the basis for your smile and performs the necessary purposes of keeping your teeth in position and guarding their vulnerable tooth roots. Therefore, a receding gumline is not simply an aesthetic issue; it is a significant oral health condition. If you want to keep your gums in good health, you have to learn the most frequent precursors to gum recession. With that knowledge, you can adapt your habits and oral health regimen to prevent receding gums. Further, if you currently suffer from receding gums, you have several options for procedures that can aid in the restoration of your gumline. At DentalWorks – Durham, our experienced staff of dental professionals provides both preventive care as well as many procedures for receding gums, which will be selected based on the reason behind your gum recession. Continue reading to find out more about receding gums, the causes, and effective treatment methods. Area individuals who have questions about their gum health need to set up an oral health assessment with their dental practitioner in Durham, NC.
THE DANGERS OF RECEDING GUMS
Gum recession happens when the delicate gum tissue starts to withdraw from the teeth. An increasing amount of the enamel becomes exposed until, gradually, the sensitive tooth roots are also uncovered. Gum recession usually won’t occur quickly; first, patients will develop symptoms such as inflamed and sore gums that bleed readily. Secretions at your gumline and consistent foul-smelling breath (halitosis) are also indicators that can develop before receding gums. When you see any of them, it’s important that you set up a visit with your dental practitioner in Durham, NC right away. If receding gums are ignored, your teeth can begin to become loose or fall out, since the gums aren’t able to keep them in position.
REASONS BEHIND RECEDING GUMS
Regrettably, receding gums are a common dental problem, particularly for people past 40 years old. There are several causes of receding gums, which can assist your dental practitioner in deciding how to manage yours. A few of the most frequently seen are:
TYPES OF TREATMENT FOR GUM RECESSION
To determine the best treatment for your gums, your dental practitioner will first have to identify the cause. Receding gums caused by gum disease will be treated according to how serious your gum disease is. For people who present with the initial stage of gum disease, referred to as gingivitis, dentists usually perform several scaling and root planing (SRP) sessions. A nonsurgical deep cleaning method, SRP therapy scrapes away the buildup inside your gum pockets and evens out the enamel to protect against future buildup. If SRP deep cleaning is not sufficient to elevate your oral health, or if you are experiencing the next stage of gum disease referred to as periodontitis, your dental practitioner might perform gum surgery, or they may refer you to a gum specialist or oral surgeon. During gum surgery, tiny, precise cuts will be created in your gums to penetrate further into your gum pockets and remove the plaque on your tooth roots. Both SRP treatments and periodontal surgery are frequently accompanied by a cycle of prescription antibiotics to destroy any remaining bacteria. Following SRP treatment or gum surgery, your dentist will wait a bit for your gums to get better and regenerate on their own. In the event that your gumline remains too recessed, gingival graft surgery can be done. Gingival grafts usually utilize tissue from different places in your mouth, including your roof palate, to increase tissue where necessary along your gumline. Man-made and donor grafts can also be used for patients who don’t have enough tissue to build a robust gumline. Once you have healed from gingival grafting, it is vital that you practice a consistent home oral hygiene regimen and schedule regular appointments with your dental practitioner in Durham, NC for yearly dental check-ups and twice-yearly dental cleanings.
REHABILITATE YOUR GUMS
Your gums are central to the general wellbeing of your teeth, so it’s necessary to be careful with your gum health in order to attain a brilliant, healthy smile. Set up a comprehensive oral assessment with your dentist if you have questions about periodontal disease or gum recession. At DentalWorks – Durham, our skilled staff of dental professionals provides diagnoses and treatment options for gum recession, including SRP therapy, periodontal surgery, and gingival grafting. Call our office in Durham, NC to schedule exams for your whole family.
