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Home » Receding Gums
Receding gums
Overview
Receding gums, also known as gingival recession, is a common dental problem where the gum tissue surrounding the teeth pulls back or wears away, exposing more of the tooth or its root. This can cause sensitivity, pain, and other dental problems.
Causes
There are several factors that can contribute to receding gums, including:
- Gum Disease: The most common cause of gum recession is gum disease, which is caused by bacteria in the mouth that infect and damage the gum tissue.
- Brushing Too Hard: Brushing the teeth too aggressively or with a toothbrush that has hard bristles can wear away the gum tissue and cause recession.
- Genetics: Some people may be more prone to gum recession due to genetic factors.
- Hormonal Changes: Women may experience gum recession during pregnancy or menopause due to hormonal changes in the body.
- Tobacco Use: Smoking and other tobacco use can cause gum disease and lead to gum recession.
- Teeth Grinding: Clenching or grinding the teeth can put excessive pressure on the gums and cause them to recede.
- Crooked Teeth or a Misaligned Bite: If the teeth are not properly aligned, it can put pressure on certain parts of the gums and cause them to recede.
Symptoms
The most noticeable symptom of receding gums is the appearance of longer teeth, as more of the tooth or its root becomes exposed. Other symptoms may include:
- Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
- Pain or discomfort when eating or drinking
- Swollen or bleeding gums
- Bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth
- Loose teeth or changes in the way the teeth fit together
Treatment
The treatment for receding gums depends on the cause and severity of the problem. Here are a few common options:
- Scaling and Root Planning: This is a deep cleaning procedure that removes bacteria and tartar from below the gumline to help the gums reattach to the teeth.
- Gum Graft Surgery: In some cases, a small piece of tissue is taken from elsewhere in the mouth and grafted onto the affected area to cover the exposed tooth root.
- Orthodontic Treatment: If the recession is caused by a misaligned bite, orthodontic treatment may be necessary to properly align the teeth.
- Change in Oral Hygiene Habits: Brushing and flossing the teeth properly and using a soft-bristled toothbrush can help prevent further gum recession.
It’s important to seek treatment for receding gums as soon as possible to prevent further damage to the teeth and gums. We will evaluate the situation and recommend the best treatment options for a person’s individual needs.
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Our specialist for
Receding Gums
Dr. Datta Malyavantham
BDS, DDS, FICOI (USA)
30+ Years of Experience
Speciality:
Cosmetic Dentistry and Veneers, Gum Related Problems, Smile Design, Implants & Oral Surgery
Dr. Akshay Nigam
BDS, MDS – Periodontics & Oral Implants
10+ Years of Experience
Speciality:
Wisdom Tooth Extraction, Gum Related Problems, Dental Implants, Laser Dentistry, Micro Surgery, Flap Surgery, Esthetic Dentistry
Dr. Rajesh Patnaik
Associate Surgeon - Periodontist & Implantologist
BDS, MDS – Periodontics & Implantology
4+ Years of Experience
Speciality:
Dental Implants, Gum Related Problems, Laser Dentistry