Tooth sensitivity
Causes of gingival recession.
Gingival recession
Do you have sensitivity, bleeding, or swollen gums or feel that one of your teeth is longer than usual? If the answer is yes, you are most likely suffering from gum retraction or gum recession.
Although this is a fairly common problem, it should not be ignored because, in addition to producing aesthetic damage, it is a clear sign of gingival disease and, if not treated properly, can pose a risk to your oral health.
So that you know precisely what gingival recession is, its causes, and how to stop it in time to avoid complications such as the loss of some of your teeth, we have prepared this entry in the dental office. We invite you to read it until the end!
What is a gingival recession?
Gingival recession is when the gums retract, exposing the root and other parts of the tooth, usually protected by the gingival tissue.
By exposing these parts previously covered by the gum, the teeth become more vulnerable to diseases and discomforts such as dental sensitivity, root caries (a type of caries that affects the root of the tooth), the progressive loss of gums and bone, and even, in the most severe cases, the loss of a tooth.
Causes of gingival recession
The recession of gums or gingival can be caused by many factors, such as age, how we brush our teeth, or poor oral hygiene. However, here are some of the most common causes of this problem:
Gingivitis: inadequate oral care can cause the gums to become inflamed due to the accumulation of bacterial plaque producing gingivitis. If this condition is not treated correctly, the gums may begin to shrink.
Poor brushing technique: When toothbrushing is done with a brush with too stiff bristles or exerting excessive pressure, it can happen that the gums gradually retract.
Incorrect positioning of teeth: misaligned teeth and malocclusions (the poor fit of dental arches) can cause gingival tissue to shrink. The solution to this problem is correctly aligning the teeth using an orthodontic procedure.
Bruxism: the involuntary habit of clenching or grinding the teeth, as well as causing wear of the teeth, can produce gingival retraction.
How to Stop the Gingival Recession
First, you need to know that once your gums start to retract, they don't regenerate naturally. That's why it's so important to consult your dentist as soon as possible if you suspect a gingival recession to identify the causes and be able to take action to slow down the progression of the disease.
If the gingival recession is not advanced, the most common thing is that you can prevent it from continuing to evolve and get worse by correcting bad habits and dental hygiene techniques. From Dental Office, we recommend you to brush your teeth after every meal, toothpaste and rinses with fluoride and dental floss.
For more severe cases in which the aesthetics and health of the tooth are compromised, dental surgical techniques such as gum grafts or flaps can help improve aesthetics and functionality.
