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receding gum

Receding Gums: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention

Have you been experiencing sensitivity and discomfort near your gum line? If yes, you might be suffering from receding gums. 

Receding gums is one of the most common dental problems faced by adults. It can not only cause tooth sensitivity and discomfort but can also lead to serious dental problems if left untreated. 
We will be discussing what gum recession is, its causes, symptoms, and prevention of receding gums. We will also discuss how a trusted dental clinic in Airdrie, AB, like Airdrie Springs Dental, can help you with receding gum treatment, surgical gum therapy,  gum disease treatment, and gum tissue grafts in Airdrie.

What is Gum Recession?

Gum recession is condition in which the gum tissue at the tooth’s outer margin pulls back or wears away, exposing more of the tooth or the tooth’s base. Gum recession causes “pockets,” or spaces, between the teeth and gum line, which makes it simple for disease-causing germs to accumulate. 

If the supporting tissue and bone components of the teeth are substantially compromised, tooth loss can eventually occur. Because gum recession happens gradually, the majority of people are unaware they have it. 

Usually, tooth discomfort or noticing a tooth is longer than usual are the first symptoms of gum recession. A notch around the gum line could also be felt.

Gum recession is not something to be ignored or disregarded. Get a dentist appointment if you believe your gums are receding. There are procedures that can fix the gum and stop additional harm.

Who does Gum Recession Affect?

People of all ages can experience gum recession. However, people over the age of 40 are more likely to experience it. 

It happens when the gum tissue that surrounds the teeth starts to erode gradually, exposing the tooth root and causing tooth sensitivity and other dental problems.

To stop and treat gum recession, it’s important to practice proper oral hygiene and keep frequent dental appointments. 

If you have tooth sensitivity or a receding gum line, which are signs of gum recession, you should see a dentist for an assessment and the best course of action.

How Common is Gum Recession?

Gum recession is a common dental condition. In fact, gum recession on one or more teeth affects about 88% of adults over 65.

What are the Symptoms of Gum Recession?

Look out for the following symptoms, and if you are facing any of these, you should reach out to your dentist immediately. When left untreated, it can cause serious oral health problems like tooth mobility, bone loss, etc.

  1. Pain or Discomfort near Your Gum Line

One of the most common symptoms of gum recession is pain or discomfort near the gum line. This discomfort can be caused by the exposed tooth root or by an infection in the surrounding tissue. 

Getting a gum disease treatment is advised if you are affected by gum disease.

According to a research by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly half of the adults in the United States have gum recession to some degree.

  1. Sensitivity to Heat, Cold and Sweets

Due to the exposed tooth root’s lack of an enamel protective layer like the rest of the tooth, it is sensitive. Because of this, when the tooth root is exposed, it may become more sensitive to changes in temperature and particular foods. 

  1. Sensitivity when Brushing and Flossing Your Teeth

Another typical symptom of gum recession is sensitivity, which can be particularly noticeable when brushing and flossing. As the tooth root is exposed, brushing and flossing your teeth could lead to discomfort and pain.

  1. Sensitivity During Dental Cleanings

The dental hygienist can utilize tools during cleaning to get rid of plaque and tartar from the teeth and gums. This process might be unpleasant or even painful if the gums have receded. 

Recent studies have found that gum recession is a prevalent sign of gum disease, which affects more than 60% of adults.

What Causes the Recession of Gums?

  • Periodontal Diseases

These bacterial gum infections kill the supporting bone and gum tissue that keep your teeth in place. Gum recession is primarily brought on by gum disease.

One must seek a periodontal care dentist in Airdrie, like Airdrie Springs Dental, for effective treatment.

  • Your Genes 

Despite how well you take care of your teeth, you might be prone to gum disease. Your genes may be responsible for this.

  • Aggressive Tooth Brushing

Too much pressure or improper technique when brushing your teeth can wear down the enamel on your teeth and cause gum recession.

  • Insufficient Dental Care

Inadequate brushing, flossing and rinsing can lead plaque to turn into calculus (tartar), which builds on and between your teeth leading to gum recession.

  • Hormonal Changes

Throughout a woman’s lifespan, changes in female hormone levels, such as those that occur during puberty, menopause, and pregnancy, can make gums more sensitive and susceptible to gum recession.

  • Tobacco Products

Smokers are more likely to have sticky, difficult-to-remove plaque buildup on their teeth, which can result in gum recession.

  • Grinding and Clenching Your Teeth

Too much pressure from teeth clenching or grinding can cause gums to retreat.

  • Crooked Teeth or a Misaligned Bite

Too much pressure can be applied to the gums and bone when teeth do not come together evenly, causing the gums to recede.

  • Piercing of the Lip or Tongue

Jewelry can irritate and rub the gums to the point where gum tissue is lost.

Receding Gums Treatment in Airdrie

The following are a few of the receding gum treatments in Airdrie :

  • Deep Cleaning (Nonsurgical Treatment)

Gum recession can be treated without surgery by deep cleaning, sometimes referred to as scaling and root planing. 

Plaque and tartar accumulation below the gum line, which can result in infection and inflammation, are removed as part of the process, which is often the first line of defence against gum disease. 

A dentist uses specialized tools during a deep cleaning to remove the buildup and smooth down the surfaces of the tooth roots to stop bacteria from gathering in the future. To assist the gums repair and reattaching to the teeth, this can lessen the depth of gum pockets. 

One-visit deep cleaning is a minimally invasive procedure that frequently eliminates the need for additional treatment.

  • Surgical Treatments
  • Open Flap Scaling and Root Planing

The dentist or periodontist folds back the damaged gum tissue during this and eliminates the dangerous germs from the pockets, and then firmly secures the gum tissue over the tooth root, eradicating or shrinking the pockets.

  • Bone Regeneration  

A gum disease treatment in Airdrie to replace lost bone and tissue may be advised if gum recession has eroded the bone that supports your teeth. Your dentist will fold back the gum tissues and remove the germs, similar to pocket depth reduction.

  • Soft Tissue Graft

There are several techniques used for gum tissue grafts in Airdrie, but the connective tissue graft is the one that is most frequently employed. The roof of your mouth (palate) is cut into a flap of skin, and tissue from beneath the flap—known as subepithelial connective tissue—is taken and then sewn to the gum tissue encircling the exposed root. 

How Can I Prevent Gum Recession?

  • You should maintain proper oral care.
  • Choose Healthy Foods.
  • Quit smoking if you Smoke.
  • If you have any existing dental conditions, get them treated immediately.
  • Get regular dental checkups.

Taking good care of your dental health is an important part of maintaining overall wellness, and regular dental checkups are crucial to prevent and treat any issues that may arise. 

If you have been looking for a dentist near me in Airdrie, AB, Airdrie Springs Dental is here to help. 

Our team of dental professionals offers a wide range of services to meet the dental care needs of your whole family. We offer-

  • Routine cleanings and checkups
  • Receding Gums teeth cleaning
  • Surgical gum therapy in Airdrie
  • Gum tissue grafts in Airdrie

If you are suffering from receding gums, contact Airdrie Spring dental, as we are always accepting new patients, even with same-day emergency appointments.
Don’t put off your dental care any longer – schedule your appointment today with Airdrie Springs Dental, and take your first step towards a healthier, happier smile.