Receding gums can be a concerning oral health issue that not only affects the aesthetics of your smile but also exposes tooth roots and increases the risk of tooth sensitivity and other complications. Understanding the causes of receding gums and seeking timely periodontal treatment in Florida is crucial for maintaining optimal oral health. In this blog post, we will explore the common causes of receding gums and discuss effective treatment options.
Causes of Receding Gums
- Periodontal Disease: Gum disease, particularly in its advanced stages, is a leading cause of receding gums. The bacterial infection gradually destroys the gum tissues and supporting structures, causing them to recede.
- Aggressive Brushing: Brushing your teeth with excessive force or using a toothbrush with hard bristles can contribute to gum recession. The friction and pressure applied during aggressive brushing can wear down the gum tissue over time.
- Poor Oral Hygiene: Inadequate oral hygiene practices lead to the buildup of plaque and tartar, which can irritate the gums and cause them to recede.
- Genetics: Some individuals are more predisposed to gum recession due to genetic factors. In such cases, the gum tissue may be naturally thinner or less resistant to periodontal disease.
- Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy, puberty, or menopause can make gums more vulnerable to recession.
Treatment Options
Brush your teeth gently using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Use a gentle, circular motion to clean all tooth surfaces and along the gum line. Floss daily to remove plaque and debris from between your teeth.
If you notice signs of receding gums, it is important to consult a periodontist for a comprehensive evaluation. A periodontist specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gum diseases. Periodontists can perform a deep cleaning procedure known as scaling and root planing to remove plaque and tartar build up from below the gumline. This helps eliminate the infection and promotes gum tissue reattachment.
In more advanced cases of gum recession, a periodontist may recommend gum grafting. This surgical procedure involves taking tissue from another area of the mouth and grafting it onto the receded areas to cover exposed tooth roots and restore gum tissue.
Understanding the causes of receding gums and seeking appropriate periodontal treatment is crucial for maintaining optimal oral health. By addressing the underlying issues with the guidance of a skilled periodontist at Village Periodontics, you can prevent further gum recession, protect tooth roots, and restore a healthy smile.