Receding Gums Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Receding gums are a condition of gum damage due to a decrease that leads to the roots of the teeth.
Understanding
Gingival recession or better known as receding gums is a condition of gum damage caused by a decrease that leads to the roots of the teeth. As a result, the root surface of the tooth becomes exposed or exposed. Whereas the gums should function to protect the roots of the teeth.
This condition often makes sufferers feel pain or aches when exposed to hot or cold food and drinks. The sufferer can even feel pain when the area with gingival recession is exposed to the wind. Sometimes, complaints of sensitive teeth can also be associated with decreased gums.
Apart from causing complaints of aches and sensitive teeth, gingival recession can also cause other complaints. Things that are also quite often complained about are dental caries, aesthetics (disturbing appearance), and tooth discoloration.
If you don’t get proper treatment, gingival recession can cause more serious problems. When the gums are continuously allowed to decline, the teeth will gradually shake. In the end the teeth can fall out.
Complaints of gingival recession are more common in adults – especially those over 50 years of age. Meanwhile, in children, it is rare to find cases of decreased gums.
Symptoms
Excessive pain towards hot and cold food is one of the most easily recognized symptoms. In addition, people with gingival recession are also quite sensitive to sweet foods and air that hits the teeth where gums recede.
Teeth that look longer – a result of receding gums is also an indication of gingival recession. This can cause aesthetic problems if it occurs on the front teeth. Because when you smile or talk, the area that has decreased gums will usually be seen clearly.
Reason
Incorrect technique in brushing teeth has the potential to cause gingival recession. In addition to technical problems, the use of the wrong type of toothbrush also contributes to this. Therefore, how to brush your teeth properly and choose a toothbrush is the main key to the problem of gingival recession.
Apart from the two things above, germs in dental plaque can also cause inflammation of the gums. As a result, there is a movement of the gum edge towards the root of the tooth. Improper tooth position, such as tilted-turning or slightly protruding, also risks causing the gums to become thinner. In the end, this can trigger receding gums if it continues to repeat itself.
Improper fillings and tooth movement during orthodontic/braces treatment can also trigger a gingival recession. Another cause that is also suspected is the wrong way of caring for teeth – such as using dental floss and using mouthwash that is not correct.
Grinding and clenching habits that put pressure on the teeth are also said to cause receding gums. Likewise hormonal problems – such as during menstruation, puberty, pregnancy, and menopause.
Diagnosis
The dentist will first collect information based on your complaint. The diagnosis of gingival recession can be determined if the results of the examination show that there are receding gums followed by certain complaints.
Some of the complaints that often accompany you are gums that bleed when brushing your teeth, pain, and toothache. In some cases, it can also be accompanied by the appearance of pus. Decreasing gums is an indication of the condition of gingivitis ( inflammation of the gums ).
Apart from collecting information and physical examination, doctors can also carry out supporting examinations. One of them is by doing an X-ray photo examination. The goal is to find out if there is bone damage. If damage is found, then the help of a specialist periodontist is needed for further treatment.
Treatment
The treatment carried out by the dentist depends on several things. The things that need to be considered are the severity of the gingival recession, as well as the cause and type of gingival recession itself.
There are two types of therapy that can be given, namely surgical and non-surgical. In mild cases, the dentist will perform treatment with scaling and root planning. This treatment is usually combined with giving antibiotics if necessary.
A combination of non-surgical measures and keeping your teeth and mouth clean can help treat gingival recession. However, if the condition of receding gums bothers you aesthetically enough, then you need surgery.
For more severe conditions, surgery on the gums ( soft tissue graft ) will be performed. One of the most frequently used surgical procedures is a connective tissue graft which uses soft tissue in the palate of the mouth. Furthermore, the tissue is transferred to the gums that have decreased.
Can receding gums be prevented? You can prevent it by maintaining the cleanliness and health of the oral cavity and teeth. In addition, make sure you brush your teeth properly and correctly. Check with the dentist at least twice a year.
Apart from these things, also pay attention to the toothbrush you use. Choose an ergonomic toothbrush that have soft bristles. A healthy lifestyle is also needed. Do this by eating a balanced nutritious diet and avoiding bad habits –such as smoking and consuming alcoholic beverages.