Mild cases of gum recession may be improved with nonsurgical treatments, such as topical antibiotics, dental bonding or orthodontics. In most instances, however, gum recession surgery is needed to fully correct the problem.
If gum tissue has been lost your dentist may suggest soft tissue, or gum graft, surgery. This is where tissue is grafted from surrounding gums or the roof of your mouth and stitched to the gum tissue to cover the exposed root of your tooth.
While your gums won't grow back on their own, surgical treatment can be used to replace the missing tissue, and restore both your appearance and your oral health. Gum grafting involves taking soft tissue from another part of the mouth and grafting it onto your gums.
Receding gums can be caused by a number of factors, including ageing, brushing too hard or even poor oral health. Poor oral health can lead to gingivitis, when the gums become inflamed due to the presence of plaque bacteria and, if left untreated, eventually begin to recede.
In some cases, it may be too late for gum grafting to save the gums. If your gums are severely damaged, receding so far back that they expose the tooth's root, or if there is significant bone loss from advanced gum disease, gum grafting may not be able to restore them to their healthy state.
Poor oral hygiene can cause receding gums in two ways. First, if you do not brush your teeth properly, some plaque remains, which can buildup up tartar. Tartar breeds disease-causing bacteria which affect the gums, causing them to recede towards the tooth root. The second is through aggressive hygiene.
Early stages of gum disease can be seen with minor symptoms like tender gums that include: Red, swollen, or purple gums. Gums that feel tender when touched. Bleeding gums.
Saltwater rinses help with treating gum disease but are not capable of fixing the problem by themselves. You require help from a professional periodontist and maintain good oral hygiene habits if you intend to get over periodontal disease.
The condition manifests in five receding gums stages: gingivitis, early, moderate, severe, and advanced periodontal. Each stage poses certain oral health risks like teeth loss, bleeding, halitosis, bone decay, and gum swelling. The best way to prevent or treat such problems is to seek help from qualified dentists.
The gums cannot grow back naturally. However, further recession of the gums is preventable, and surgery can restore some tissue.
What do Receding Gums Look Like? The way to identify receding gums is by looking at the gum tissue surrounding each individual tooth. If the height of the gum tissue varies or if you see that the gum tissue surrounding the teeth draws back and seems red or worn away, then you are looking at receding gums.
The answer depends on the underlying cause. For example, if you brush too hard, your gums may recede over time. However, if you have gum disease, your gums can recede quite quickly. In some cases, they may even recede within a matter of weeks or months.
The base cost of a gum graft can be between $600 and $1200 per tooth. A periodontist is a specialist so is likely to have a higher fee. Donor tissue is more expensive than tissue that is harvested from the roof of your mouth.
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The top toothpaste available on the market that helps reduce sensitivity caused by receding gums is Sensodyne.
A saltwater rinse can be performed three to four times a week, but it is important that you don't go beyond this because salt contains sodium, and too much sodium can impact your tooth enamel negatively.
Receding gums are a form gum disease in which your gums pull back from the tooth surface, exposing the root surfaces of your teeth. This can be a serious condition as a consequence of poor oral hygiene, which may eventually lead to tooth loss.
Receding gums are an oral health concern when they get to the point where tooth roots are exposed. It leads to a higher risk of decay, infection, and loss. Therefore, if you suspect your gums are receding, or a dental professional has brought it up to you, it's time to seek treatment.
Sugary items promote the overgrowth of harmful bacteria in the mouth, worsening gum recession or causing decay. Avoid donuts, candy, energy drinks, cake, and chocolate. Since gum recession exposes the tooth's roots and nerves, extreme temperatures from ice cubes or popsicles can cause your gums to be more sensitive.
Electric toothbrushes are generally considered safer for gums. In addition, soft bristles are recommended over hard bristles, regardless of toothbrush type. As aggressive brushing can lead to gum recession, an electric toothbrush with better, soft bristles can be superior for gum health.
It can cause severe gum recession and an increased likeliness of periodontal disease. Long-term stress is proven to weaken the immune system. This lowers your body's ability to fight infections. As a result, you have an increased risk of several dental issues, like bleeding and inflamed gums.
Gum veneers are used to cover unsightly gaps between teeth that have been subject to gingival and periodontal disease. Gum veneers are removable devices made of acrylic. The process can take a period of a few weeks to create.