Gum recession is a typical dental issue. Gum recession is not typically noticeable since it develops gradually. Tooth sensitivity, or the appearance of a tooth seeming longer than usual, is usually the first indication of gum recession. A notch may be felt near the gum line in most cases.
Gum recession should not be tolerated if you detect it. If you believe your gums are retreating, see your dentist as soon as possible. Some procedures can restore and prevent additional damage to the gum.
Periodontal Disease:
Gingivitis, a form of periodontal disease, occurs when the gums become inflamed and swollen. The gums might be red and swollen at this stage, and they may bleed. This is the same condition that causes bleeding when brushing your teeth. It occurs due to microorganisms (bacteria) building up in dental plaque or tartar and causing irritation to gums. Soon after the initial signs of gingivitis, if treatment isn’t sought out immediately, periodontal disease begins to take hold, and you may notice:
Bone loss around the teeth:
· This happens as a result of infection and inflammation. Bone can weaken and even dissolve as bacteria eats away at it from below. Eventually, the bone under the tooth socket collapses, and the tooth can easily become loose or fall out.
Teeth tipping forward:
· Teeth are tipping forward: This may be due to slipping down the root on the bone it is embedded in, which usually happens during later stages of periodontal disease. When this occurs, patients are likely to feel pain around the teeth or jaw joints.
Draining into surrounding tissues:
Draining into surrounding tissues: Eventually, periodontal disease will cause chronic inflammation throughout your body as bacteria from infection move away from infected areas. Poor blood circulation caused by gum disease can reduce physical performance, increase the risk for cardiovascular diseases (CVD) like heart attacks and strokes, and even early mortality rates if left untreated.
How long do I have before my periodontal disease becomes serious?
It is important to note that gum disease can develop quickly, especially if you have not regularly visited your dentist. If left untreated, periodontal disease starts affecting the bone and tissues around the teeth, essential for keeping them in place. Treatment might be painful at first, but saving your natural teeth will make it much less costly in the long run compared to having them removed.
What causes bottom gum recession?
Gum recession occurs when there is loss of bone around the roots of the teeth causing them to become loose and fall out. Many factors can cause receding gums, including toothbrush trauma, genetic factors, hormonal changes during pregnancy due to estrogen levels; excessive use of mouthwash or alcohol-based mouthwash; stress and clenching, grinding, and excessive force when chewing.
After the gums recede, they may start to pull away from the teeth, exposing more roots. As this worsens, it will cause increased tooth sensitivity to hot and cold food and drinks, feeling longer than usual. This is often a sign that further treatment such as a gum graft is required to prevent further loss of bone and root exposure which can eventually lead to tooth loss if not halted early on.
Teeth with extensive receding gums should also be carefully monitored since they are at risk for periodontal disease (gum disease), which can cause serious health problems like heart disease, Mellitus type 2, fetal health problems, or pregnancy complications, meningitis in babies, and can even cause dementia.
What are the symptoms of bottom gum disease?
Periodontal disease usually does not display any symptoms at first. As it progresses, you may experience some or all of the following:
– Red or swollen gums
– Bleeding when brushing your teeth
– Bad breath
– Gums that pull away from your teeth, exposing root surfaces
– Pain or tenderness around one or more teeth (This is only applicable to advanced periodontitis). However, during the early stages of gum disease, there are no real symptoms besides tooth sensitivity.
How can I prevent gum disease?
Gum disease is caused by plaque building up on your teeth and gums. Plaque contains bacteria that cause gum disease, which can be prevented by practicing proper dental hygiene. Brush the teeth carefully at least two times a day, and floss daily will help prevent plaque from building up between your teeth and under the gum line. You should also schedule regular dental cleanings every six months to remove tartar (hardened plaque) built up on your teeth.
If you cannot afford regular cleanings, you can regularly maintain good oral hygiene at home by brushing and flossing. Be sure to clean your teeth before bedtime to prevent plaque from building up while you sleep.
Since gum disease often begins without symptoms, it is recommended that everyone visit their dentist for an exam and cleaning at least twice a year (every 6 months). However, if you are over the age of 35, currently smoke, or have a history of gum disease in your family, you should visit your dentist at least every 3 months for an exam and cleaning.
What are the treatment options?
Treatment or gum surgery will depend on the severity of the periodontal disease. Your dentist might perform any one or more of the following treatments:
– Oral hygiene instructions
– Deep cleaning below the gum line with scaling and root planing to remove plaque buildup on teeth roots
– Prescription-strength antimicrobial mouth rinse(s) (This is only applicable to advanced periodontitis)
– Change to oral hygiene routine (This is only applicable to advanced periodontitis)
By maintaining good oral hygiene at home, you can help prevent gum disease in the future. Be sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily. You should also schedule regular dental cleanings every six months for an exam and cleaning. If you cannot afford regular cleanings, you can regularly maintain good oral hygiene at home by brushing and flossing.
Dental procedures to fix receding gums:
Many dental procedures are done today to fix receding gums.
AlloDerm® :
A simple procedure that your dentist can do through local anesthesia involves removing any loss of bone that was caused by the receded gums bringing them back up to their normal position with an artificial material called AlloDerm®, which has been used in thousands of successful cases worldwide, providing immediate results for patients suffering from gum recession.
The AlloDerm® is placed inside the upper palate under the mucosal layer, where it acts as a scaffold to rebuild the lost bone and connective tissue within six months. Gum recession can be treated with periodontal surgery, which is done under full anesthesia. The process generally takes about one hour to 90 minutes, depending on how extensive the gum recession is. After surgery, you will need to wear a special type of splint for one month that helps your mouth heal properly.
You might also choose to have dental implants instead of using AlloDerm® if your gums are particularly receded, so it’s best to consult your dentist before deciding anything.
Gum graft surgery for gum tissue:
There is a surgical technique for gum recession, receding gum surgery, the most common way to correct the tooth. For this treatment, a section of tissue from the roof or side of the mouth is transferred to the floor of the mouth. The gums will then regrow and cover the bottom surface of the affected teeth.
Osseo-integrated flap surgery:
It is essential to remove some bone first to make room for new tissue in some cases. This procedure is called osseointegrated flap surgery.
Poor Dental Care:
Poor dental care is one of the main reasons for bottom receding gums. Those who are not properly brushing their teeth 3 times a day are at high risk for gum recession. The plaque will build upon the toothbrush, which can irritate the sensitive gum tissue and cause it to recede. For this cause, it is essential to brush your teeth thoroughly.
A poor diet can also cause gum recession. Gum disease is one of the major causes of receding gums, which can be prevented by brushing your teeth 3 times a day and flossing daily. Too much snacking on acidic foods, such as oranges or grapefruits will have the same effect on your sensitive gum tissue. The sugar in these types of food will harm the enamel of your teeth and contribute to gum recession.
Gum recession is a common dental issue that can be difficult to detect. The first indications of gum recession are sensitivity in the teeth, and their appearance seems longer than usual. If you notice any of these alarming indications, it’s time to schedule an appointment with your dentist for a professional examination or consultation. Gum recession may not seem like a serious problem at first but left untreated; it could lead to tooth loss which would have life-changing implications on your oral health and self-confidence.
