What Causes Gum Recession? What are the Treatments?
What is Gingival Recession?
Gum recession is a condition in which the gums recede from the teeth, making the tooth roots more visible. This condition is usually caused by inflammation of the gums, excessive brushing, gum disease or genetic factors. Gum recession can lead to tooth sensitization, decay, bad breath and tooth loss. Since it is important to recognize and treat it at an early stage, regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene are important.
What Causes Gum Recession?
Gum recession is caused by a combination of several factors. The most common cause is inaccuracies in tooth brushing habits, especially excessively hard brushing or the use of inappropriate toothbrushes. Other factors such as gum diseases, genetic predisposition, smoking, plaque and tartar accumulated in the mouth can also lead to receding gums. In addition, factors such as hormonal changes, the aging process and misalignment of the teeth can also trigger gum recession. It is important to recognize gum recession at an early stage, because if left untreated, the supporting structures of the teeth can be damaged.
What are the Causes of Gingival Recession?
Gum recession can be caused by many different reasons and is usually a combination of several factors. The main causes of gum recession are as follows:
- Poor Oral Hygiene: Inadequate brushing and flossing can cause plaque to build up on the gums and eventually cause inflammation, which leads to receding gums.
- Brushing Too Hard: Brushing the teeth too hard can damage the gums, causing them to recede.
- Dental Calculus: Stones that accumulate on the teeth can negatively affect the health of the gums and lead to recession.
- Genetic Factors: Some people may have genetically thinner or weaker gums, which predisposes them to receding gums.
- Smoking: Smoking can cause weakened gums and increase the risk of inflammation, which can lead to recession.
- Hormone Changes: Hormone changes such as pregnancy and menopause can cause the gums to become sensitive and recede.
- Improper Alignment of Teeth: Irregular placement of the teeth can cause the gums to recede by applying force in the wrong way.
- Some Systemic Diseases: Diseases such as diabetes can affect the gums by weakening the body's overall ability to heal.
Gum recession can negatively affect dental health and can lead to more serious problems if left untreated.
Who is More Prone to Gum Recession?
Gum recession is usually more common due to certain factors. In particular, poor oral hygiene, insufficient brushing and flossing can lead to inflammation and recession of the gums over time. In addition, genetic predisposition is also an important factor; gingival recession may be more common in some individuals due to family history. Smokers and people who damage their gums by brushing their teeth too hard are also more prone to this condition. There may also be a natural recession of the gums with the aging process. Other risk factors include hormonal changes, especially pregnancy, menopause and the use of birth control pills, which can cause gum recession to occur more frequently.
How to Treat Gum Recession?
Gum recession usually occurs when the gums recede backwards, making the roots of the teeth more visible. Treatment for receding gums is usually done under the guidance of a dentist. The treatment is primarily aimed at restoring the gums to a healthy position. This may involve surgery to heal the gums, or less invasive methods such as scaling, gum massage, oral hygiene education. In severe cases, advanced treatment methods such as gum grafting or regenerative surgical techniques may be required to prevent the gums from receding.
How Does Gum Recession Affect Dental Health?
Gum recession occurs when the gums recede from the teeth, which can negatively affect dental health. When the gums recede, the roots of the teeth are exposed, which can make the teeth sensitive. In addition, the loss of gums can weaken the support structure of the teeth and cause problems such as sagging and movement of the teeth. Gum recession can also lead to more serious problems such as tooth decay, infections and tooth loss. Therefore, detecting and treating gum recession at an early stage is of great importance to protect dental health.
Which Methods are Used in Gingival Recession?
Gum recession can cause many dental problems and aesthetic concerns. Various methods are used in the treatment of this condition. The methods applied for gingival recession may vary depending on the patient's condition and the level of gingival recession. Below are the methods commonly used in the treatment of gingival recession:
- Gum Graft: A healthy tissue is added to replace the receding gum. This graft is usually taken from another part of the mouth.
- Paternal Techniques: These are surgical intervention methods performed to support the bone tissue under the gum.
- Laser Treatment: A less invasive solution is offered by using a laser to treat gum recession. The laser can accelerate the healing process by stimulating the gum.
- Texturing Method: It is a treatment method used to heal the damaged part of the gum.
- Soft Tissue Studies: Various treatment techniques are used to stimulate the growth of gum tissue. This is usually done to improve the aesthetic appearance of the gums.
What are the Complications After Gingival Recession?
Complications that can occur after gum recession can negatively affect oral health. Firstly, tooth sensitivity can occur as a result of the root surfaces of the teeth being exposed, leading to hypersensitivity to hot, cold or sweet foods. There is also an increased risk of infection in the root areas of the teeth, as these areas become more sensitive and more prone to bacterial accumulation. Gum recession can cause tooth mobility, because the teeth can lose their support. Another possible consequence of gum recession is aesthetic problems, especially affecting the appearance of the smile. In the long term, this can be a precursor to more serious problems that can lead to tooth loss and bone loss.
What Should Be Considered After Gum Recession?
Among the things to consider after gum recession, it is important to brush your teeth gently and use soft-bristled toothbrushes instead of hard brushes. Also, avoid excessively hot, cold or acidic foods to avoid damaging the gums and avoid smoking, as smoking can negatively affect the healing process of the gums. Care should be taken when flossing and the correct technique should be used to avoid damaging the gums. In addition, regular dental check-ups and considering treatment options, if necessary, will help prevent gum recession from progressing.
Gum recession is a condition where the gums pull back from the teeth and this can cause a variety of oral discomfort. When the gums recede, the roots of the teeth are more exposed, which can lead to increased sensitivity.
Gum recession usually occurs due to loss of tissue surrounding the gums and can lead to various health problems over time.
Gum recession can develop due to oral hygiene. Inadequate tooth brushing, plaque accumulation between teeth and tartar formation can cause the gums to become inflamed and recede over time.
Gum recession may have genetic effects. Research shows a link between susceptibility to gum disease and the development of gum recession and family history.