Factors That Affect Gum Recession
Gum recession occurs when the gums start to pull back from the roots of your teeth.
Some causes of gum recession include:
- Periodontal Disease
- Genetics
- Tooth Brushing Routine
- Poor Dental Hygiene
- Hormonal Changes
- Tobacco Use
- Grinding or Clenching of Teeth
- Crooked Teeth or Bite Misalignment
- Body Piercing
Steps To Prevent Recession
Steps suggested to prevent gum recession include:
- Seeing your doctor for regular cleanings and checkups
- Not smoking or using other tobacco products
- Eating a healthy and well-balanced diet
- Using the proper brushing techniques with a soft-bristled toothbrush or an electric toothbrush
- Seeing your doctor to correct a misaligned bite or teeth grinding problems
Gum recession (receding gums) is a common concern for many patients. Gum recession occurs when soft tissue starts to erode and travels down the roots of the teeth.
Receding gums usually occurs over time. Some patients with gum recession may not even notice it happening until it progresses and becomes obvious. Receding gum symptoms include gaps between the teeth, tooth sensitivity, changes in the way the smile looks, and teeth that are longer than usual. Notches and dents in the tooth structure are also signs of gum recession.
Receding gums, which may indicate gum disease, will not reverse on its own. Preventing or treating gum disease today with Dr. Matia and Dr. Lemke can help prevent gum recession tomorrow.
What causes receding gums?
- Gum disease: A bacterial infection in the mouth can destroy the soft tissue and lead to loss of bone and teeth, if left untreated.
- Genetics: Some people are predisposed to developing gum recession due to gum disease, no matter how well they take care of their teeth and gums.
- Vigorous tooth brushing: Brushing the teeth too hard can damage soft tissue and contribute to receding gums.
- Poor dental hygiene: Brushing and flossing teeth regularly keeps harmful bacteria off of the teeth and gums. Failure to do so can lead to periodontal disease and receding gums.
- Hormonal fluctuations: Women who experience changes in their hormonal levels may develop tissue tenderness and gum recession.
- Tobacco use: Tobacco use can lead to a buildup of plaque on the teeth, putting gums at risk of periodontal disease and recession.
- Grinding and clenching teeth: Receding gums are sometimes caused by constant tooth clenching and grinding.
- Crooked teeth/misaligned bite: Teeth that are out of line or crooked can make the gums and jaw bone work harder, causing gum recession.
- Piercings: Mouth piercings on the tongue and lips may irritate gum tissue and cause it to recede.
Treatment for Receding Gums
Addressing gum disease: Gum disease may be to blame and can be treated to prevent receding gums from getting worse. A good cleaning, laser surgery, and antibiotics may be used to remove harmful bacteria, plaque, and calculus from the teeth and gums.
Grafting: Receding gums can be improved with a soft tissue graft using material from the patient’s own mouth or a tissue bank to elongate the gum line.
If you have gum recession, Dr. Matia and Dr. Lemke in Wooster, OH can help. Call us today for your consultation.
Bleeding gums can occur for various reasons. If you have bleeding gums, Dr. James Matia is a periodontist in Wooster, OH who can determine whether or not gum disease is to blame. Bleeding gums often look red and inflamed and they may feel sore. These are common symptoms of gum disease that you do not want to ignore.
Gum Disease and Bleeding Gums
Too much harmful bacteria in the mouth, often a result of poor oral hygiene, can infect and inflame the oral tissues and cause them to bleed. Bleeding gums may also be an indication of gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease, which is why visiting Dr. Matia for regular exams is important. Treating it early and practicing better oral hygiene will help to prevent the problem from getting worse. Otherwise, you could risk developing periodontitis, which is a more serious stage of gum disease that destroys bone and can lead to tooth loss. Laser gum surgery and meticulous homecare can help to manage periodontitis.
Medication and Bleeding Gums
If you have bleeding gums and take medication, be sure to tell our doctor. Sometimes medicine can make the blood thinner and cause bleeding gums, especially blood thinning prescription medications, NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), blood pressure medications, birth control pills, and even over the counter medications like aspirin.
Pregnancy and Bleeding Gums
Women who become pregnant may experience bleeding gums due to an increase in hormone levels, which can make gum tissues more tender and prone to bleeding. Gingivitis is also common among pregnant women, making good oral hygiene even more important so that it does not get worse. Research shows that women with periodontal disease who are pregnant are more likely to deliver prematurely and have low birth weight babies.
Do not ignore bleeding gums. Dr. Matia and Dr. Lemke are leading periodontists in Wooster, OH who can help determine the cause and suggest proper treatment. Call us today for your consultation.