Receding gums may sound scary, but this actually happens more often than you might think – and there is a range of reasons for it. Whilst receding gums are rarely something to be concerned about, there is potential for them to become harmful if left untreated.
However, the good news is that by figuring out the cause, you should be able to find the most suitable treatment to combat it.
The most common factors that contribute to receding gums
There are many different types of dental treatments available, so it’s important to find the right sort of solution for your particular problem. If you’re suffering from receding gums, it could be due to one of these common factors:
- Age
A study showed that receding gums is more common the older we get, but this doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s age itself that causes receding gums. In many cases, it can be an issue that starts in the late teens, and slowly progresses as we age, so that by the time we’re older, it’s more prominent.
- Overbrushing
Otherwise known as “toothbrush abrasion”, this is when the gum line begins to recede as a result of brushing the gums too often or with too much force. Not only can this cause damage to the soft gum tissue, but it can also cause sensitivity and receding gums.
- Poor oral health
Perhaps the most common cause of receding gums is Periodontal disease, otherwise known as gum disease, and this happens as a result of poor oral health. Whether it’s a lack of brushing, flossing or not regularly attending routine appointments, if you get a build-up of plaque on the surface of your tooth, over time this can lead to gum disease developing, and the gums receding.
But what is gum disease?
This common condition affects the tissues around the teeth, leaving them red, swollen and tender. It isn’t typically painful, but over time it can become more uncomfortable as the condition progresses. If left untreated, the early stages of gum disease (gingivitis) can quickly lead to gum recession, bleeding gums and even tooth loss.
What are the symptoms of receding gums?
The signs and symptoms of receding gums are pretty recognisable, and include:
- Bleeding gums after brushing and flossing
- Red or swollen gums
- Bad breath
- Pain at the gum line
- Visibly shrinking gums
- Exposed tooth roots
- Loose teeth
If you recognise any of these symptoms, it’s important that you contact your dentist in order to get treatment.
Are receding gums reversible?
If you suspect you’re suffering from the most common cause of gum recession, gum disease, and you spot the signs early enough, then you can usually reverse the symptoms with good oral hygiene, including proper brushing, flossing and visiting your dentist regularly.
The NHS advises that brushing your teeth for approximately 2 minutes both morning and night with good quality toothpaste, and regular flossing can all help to undo the early signs of gum disease.
However, where gum disease has become more advanced, and the gums have become damaged, certain dental treatments may be necessary in order to return your mouth to a healthy state. Some of the most common dental treatments on offer to treat gum disease include:
- Scale and polish – A scale and polish is a procedure most of us receive at some point during our routine dental checks and is a pain-free and quick way of getting a “professional clean”. Usually, a dental hygienist will use special instruments to scrape away hardened plaque that couldn’t be removed with regular brushing alone.
- Root planing – If your gum disease has become more deep-rooted, a regular scale and polish may not be thorough enough. In these cases, you might be offered a root planing, which works to remove bacteria from underneath the gums at the root of the teeth. This is a more invasive procedure, and you will likely be offered a local anaesthetic to numb the area first.
- Periodontal surgery – As specialists in periodontal treatment, the team at Al-Fa Perio are able to offer a vast armamentarium of options to treat gum disease. From surgical microscopes for unrivalled precision to specific periodontal lasers, we are able to carry out a range of periodontal surgery treatments with minimal intrusion.
The Al-Fa Perio approach to treating receding gums
Here at Al-Fa Perio, we are unique in that we have been offering specialist treatments for gum disease since 2004. Over the years, we have built up a strong reputation for our innovative and highly technical approach and can offer a range of resources to plan an effective gum disease treatment plan.
We focus our treatment on four main issues:
- Reduction of pockets
- Clinical re-attachment
- Gum aesthetics
- Improved bones levels
Of course, each individual is different and so before your care begins you will be able to discuss at length your treatment options with a specialist. You will also be provided with a personalised report, showing you everything that your specialist found during initial investigations, and what is recommended as the best course of action.
Book your consultation today
Receding gums can seriously harm anyone’s confidence, but the treatment options on offer are so vast and varied, that there’s always something you can do to turn things around.
If you’re looking for a conscientious dentist to treat your receding gums in Essex, be sure to get in touch with our team of experts.
