Receding Gums

What causes receding gums?

Gum (periodontal) diseases

This type of gum infection occurs when bacteria destroy the gums, along with some of the tissues and bones that support the teeth.

Genetics

Based on your genes, some people are naturally more susceptible to receding gums. No matter how well they take care of their gums and teeth, gum recession is quite common amongst them.

Aggressive brushing

Brushing incorrectly and using a hard-bristled brush can erode the enamel, leading to gum recession. Putting extra pressure on the teeth and gums during brushing can also cause damage.

Hormonal changes

Females experience more hormonal fluctuations throughout their lives. However, certain significant fluctuations like puberty, menopause, and pregnancy can make the gums highly sensitive, leading to recession over time.

Inadequate oral healthcare

You need to brush, floss, and rinse your mouth with anti-bacterial mouthwash regularly and correctly. Otherwise, there is a high chance of plaque development, which will later convert into calculus or tartar. After that, you will need expensive and professional dental treatment at our partner clinics to prevent gum recession.

Tobacco

People who smoke or use tobacco regularly are more prone to developing plaque, which later results in receding gums.

Teeth clenching or grinding

Clenching and grinding of teeth exert extra force and pressure, leading to gum recession.

Crooked or misaligned teeth

Uneven or misaligned teeth exert additional pressure on the gums and supporting bones, causing gum recession.

Lip or tongue piercing

Jewellery on the lips or tongue can cause the gum to rub against it, leading to irritation and the wearing away of tissue.

How do dentists at our partner practices near you treat gum recession?

With MD.co.uk, you can expect the highest quality of treatment at our partner dental clinics near you. Gum recession treatment ranges from mild to severe. Dentists at our partner practices treat mild cases with deep cleaning of the affected area (also known as root planing or tooth scaling).

During the procedure, dentists will remove the tartar and plaque from the tooth’s surface completely and carefully. Once the surface is treated, they will smooth the root area to make it less susceptible to bacteria.

If the dentist suspects any remaining bacteria in the mouth, you will be prescribed antibiotics to remove them. Those who have lost excessive dental bone, making the pockets very deep, may require dental surgery at our partner clinics.

Types of surgery our partner clinics offer for gum recession

• Regeneration: This surgery is highly effective for repairing the damaged supporting bone in gum recession. It assists in the regeneration of lost bone and tissues. If you have deep pockets, the dentists at our partner dental clinic near you will fold back the gum tissue to completely remove the bacteria. They will then apply regenerative material, such as tissue-stimulating protein, membrane, or graft tissue, to promote the body’s natural regeneration. Once regeneration occurs, the gum tissue will be secured around the roots of the teeth.
• Root planing and open flap scaling: This surgery is less invasive than regeneration. During this procedure, the dentist folds the affected gum tissue carefully to remove the bacteria from the pockets. They will then secure the tissue loosely on the tooth root. Root planing involves reducing the pocket fully and making it smaller.
• Soft tissue graft: This tissue procedure is quite common for treating receding gums. Dentists at our partner clinics will cut open a flap of skin from the roof of the mouth to remove the underlying tissue (known as subepithelial connective tissue). They will then stitch this connective tissue to the gum tissue where the tooth’s root is exposed.

How can you prevent gum recession?

Maintaining good oral health is crucial in preventing gum recession. Regular brushing and flossing twice a day can maintain optimal oral health. Additionally, visiting your dentist or periodontist near you every six months helps in detecting problems in the early stages. If you have gum recession, you may need more frequent visits as per your dentist’s instructions.

Your dentist will recommend using a soft-bristled toothbrush for brushing. If receding gums have occurred due to a misaligned bite, tooth clenching, or grinding, consult the dentist at our partner clinic near you for early treatment.

Other preventive measures for gum recession include:

• Avoiding tobacco and quitting smoking
• Eating balanced and healthy meals
• Regular dental check-ups at a partner practice of MD.co.uk, where the dentist can detect any minor changes
• Monitoring your mouth closely so that you can notice any small changes when they occur.

When you take good care of your teeth, you will always be proud of your smile.