If you take a look in the mirror at your teeth, you may notice that your gums are pulling away from your teeth. Maybe they seem to be damaged or appear to be missing. If this has happened to you, it is possible that you have gum disease. The cause of your receding gums will determine what type of treatment is necessary. The sooner you come in to see your dentist at Lovett Dental Humble, the sooner we can treat the cause of your receding gums and help you get back to a healthy smile.
What Are Receding Gums?
Receding gums is a term used to describe what happens when your gums start to pull away from your teeth. This can happen to anyone of any age, though this issue is more common in older adults. It can happen even when a person has good oral hygiene. However, if left unchecked, receding gums can cause a variety of complications to oral health. For example, your teeth might move around or become loose, which can lead to tooth loss or even damaged roots. You may also see damage to the outer surface of the tooth, called the enamel, which can lead to tooth decay and other issues.
What Are the Causes of Receding Gums?
Receding gums can be caused by several different issues, including the following:
- Trauma to the tissues of the mouth, such as being hit with a ball
- Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease
- Brushing the teeth too hard or with a toothbrush with hard bristles
- Genetic factors can lead to the development of thin or weak gums
- Partial dentures that are improperly fitted
- Tooth roots or muscle attachment that is not normal, pushing gums out of line
- Using tobacco products or smoking
If you have any of these causes of receiving gums, the good news is there is help for you. It is possible for you to repair the damage to your gums in most cases. This can help you to see healthy, pink gums again.
How Can You Repair Receding Gums?
Your first step, if you notice that your gums are receding, is to come in for a general dentistry appointment. Our team will perform a full tooth cleaning treatment to remove any plaque or tartar that has built up on your teeth. This can help to encourage the healthy growth of your gums.
It will also be important to improve your oral hygiene. This includes working to brush twice a day and floss more often, following your dentist’s recommendations. This can help to keep bacteria that damages your gums at bay.
When Is More Advanced Care Needed?
In some cases, simply following good hygiene practices at home is not enough. Gum disease, when left untreated, can lead to receding gums that require more advanced treatment. In those cases, you may benefit from a periodontal disease dentist appointment. These professionals have more resources to help improve your smile including using deep cleaning methods. The goal here is often to remove all of the buildup of plaque from under your gum line to encourage the gums to heal. However, if this does not work, your dental team will work with you to find more solutions. This may include oral surgery to help improve gum health.
Find the Treatment Necessary at Lovett Dental Humble
The causes of receding gums can be worrisome, but there are treatment options available for most people. If you are facing oral health problems including gum disease, call our team at Lovett Dental Humble. Let our professionals offer the guidance and support you need. Call 281-441-9000 today to schedule an appointment.
