What Causes Receding Gums?

What Causes Receding Gums?

How To Fix Receding Gums

Here at Ringway Dental, we understand that if you’re not happy with your teeth it can have an impact on many other areas of your life. If your oral health is bothering you or you feel like something’s just not right, we believe it should never be ignored. Whenever you have a problem, it’s always best to get it checked out. Receding gums are no different. Receding gums can be a sign of something more serious like gum disease – so it’s better to act now.

Read more below about what causes receding gums and how you can fix them.

What Are Receding Gums?

Receding gums occur when your gums pull away from your tooth, leaving more of the tooth exposed. One of the first signs of receding gums is increased tooth sensitivity, but a more obvious sign is when a tooth begins to look longer than it usually does.

What Causes Receding Gums?

Receding gums can be caused by several factors. The most common cause of receding gums is periodontal (gum) disease, which often arises from a buildup of plaque in your mouth. Gum disease weakens your gums – which then causes them to recede. Taking care of your oral health and continuing to brush and floss daily can help prevent receding gums and gum disease.

Unfortunately, genetics can also play a part in receding gums. The thickness of your gum tissue is often inherited by your parents. If you have thin gum tissue you are more at risk of receding gums, so taking care of your oral hygiene is key. Vigorous brushing can also lead to receding gums forming and age is also a contributing factor. As per a recent US study, 88% of people 65 years of age and older have at least one receding tooth.

How Can I Fix My Receding Gums?

Receding gums should not be ignored as they can lead to further oral health issues or be a sign of something more serious. If you discover you have receding gums- all is not lost. There are still professional treatments you can go through to help fix your receding gums and prevent them from developing into gum disease or causing other oral health issues further down the line.

Deep Cleaning & Root Planing

A root planing or tooth scaling (also known as a deep clean), can help address your receding gums as long as the case is mild. During this procedure, your dentist or hygienist will fold back the affected gum tissue and remove the harmful bacteria from its pockets. The gum is then smoothed down over the affected tooth and the bacteria will then struggle to attach to the tooth, preventing your gums from infection and further complication. Antibiotics may also later be prescribed.

Regenerative Surgery

Regenerative surgery is recommended when the bone supporting your teeth has been destroyed due to receding gums. The process is similar to a deep clean but a material, such as a membrane or graft tissue, is also applied to encourage your gums to naturally regenerate the bone and tissue to that area.

Tissue Graft

There are many different types of gum tissue graft procedures, and your dentist will be able to advise you on the right procedure for your gums. A procedure called a connective tissue graft is most common for receding gums. This involves gum tissue being removed from under your skin elsewhere in your mouth and later stitched to the gum tissue surrounding the receding gum. In other types of tissue grafts, the tissue is taken directly from the roof of your mouth.

In short, there are many options if you are suffering from receding gums. If the cause of your receding gums is gum disease, this would have to be treated first. Cosmetically, there are lots of other options to restore your smile, such as removable gum veneers.

How Can I Prevent Receding Gums?

The best way to prevent receding gums from developing is to continue taking excellent care of your oral health. Visit your dentist for regular checkups. They will be able to notify you straight away if something is wrong and inform you of the best way to deal with any oral health issues you might face

As one of the leading causes of receding gums is periodontal (gum) disease, the best thing you can do is look after your oral health and always attend your routine checkups. Quitting smoking can also help to prevent receding gums. Always use a soft-bristled toothbrush and monitor any changes to your oral health.

Visit Ringway Dental Today

At Ringway Dental, our team of experienced dentists and hygienists are always here to advise you on any oral health issues you may be facing, including receding gums. Our collective years of experience means no problem is too big for our practice. To view some of the treatments we are proud to provide, click here.

If you’d like to learn more about our treatments for receding gums or to book a free online consultation, get in touch today. Please call our friendly reception team on 0161 437 2029.

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