What is gum recession?
Gum recession is when the the gum margin recedes away, exposing more of the tooth, or the tooth’s root. When gum recession left untreated, the surrounding tissue and bone structures of the teeth can be damaged, sometimes resulting in tooth loss. Since, receding gum occurs gradually, patients will be unaware of the problem.
What is receding gum symptoms?
As receding gum progress over time, you may notice the following symptoms:
- Long Teeth
Your teeth will look longer. If you have picture of your teeth 10 or 20 years before, you may be able to compare that your teeth are longer. Or you can have your teeth scan with our intra-oral scanner and keep the file to compare your teeth in the future.
When your tooth roots get exposed, it can cause extremely sensitive and uncomfortable feelings.
- Loose teeth
When you have receding gum, you may notice loose teeth, causing from the bacteria and periodontal disease in the gum around the teeth.
What is the causes of gum recession?
There are many factors, including:
It causes by bacteria that destroy gum tissue and the bone that holds your teeth in place. Periodontal disease is the main cause of gum recession.
- Brushing too hard
If you brush your teeth too aggressively or incorrectly, it can cause your tooth’s enamel to wear away and your gums to recede. Brushing with just the right amount of pressure with soft toothbrush is the best way to avoid gum recession and exposed roots.
- Tooth paste
Some toothpastes consist of large brushing grain which will cause severely worn tooth and receding gum.
What are the options for receding gum treatment?
If the recession cause from periodontal disease (loose teeth), you will need periodontal treatment as written on the other section before correcting the recession with surgery.
If the recession cause from brushing or toothpaste, there are 2 options: gum grafting surgery or tooth-colour filling. The difference is, with gum grafting, your teeth will look shorter but, with filling, your teeth will still look long but teeth sensitivity will be resolved.
Root coverage (periodontal) surgery
Our periodontist will harvest gum tissue called “connective tissue graft” from the roof of your mouth and place over the receding area. Then, periodontist will pull the gum at donor site to cover the connective tissue graft and receding area at the same time. The success of this gum recession treatment through periodontal surgery depends on many factors especially the defect shape and oral hygiene of the patients.
How can I prevent gum recession?
Taking good care of your oral hygiene is the best way to prevent gum recession. Gentle brushing with soft toothbrush and flossing daily. Dental check-up with your dentist at least twice a year.
If you are seeking gum recession treatment in Bangkok, or require a consultation on periodontal surgery, contact Global Dental Complex today.
