Receding Gums: Treatment Alternatives and Causes

Treatment for receding gums

Most cases of mild gum recession do not need therapy. Dentists may simply give advice about prevention and offer to monitor the gums. Teaching people how to brush gently but effectively is a good early intervention.

For people who do need therapy, a number of options are available :
[teeth with braces] Orthodontics are one method of therapy for receding gums. Desensitizing agents, varnishes, and dentine bonding agents: These aim to reduce any sensitivity that may develop in the exposed tooth root. This treats the nerve symptoms and helps to keep normal oral hygiene by allowing brushing of sensitive teeth to continue Composite restoration: Tooth-colored composite resins are used to cover the root surface. They can also close black gaps between teeth, as shown in these before-and-after depicts from the British Dental Journal. Pink porcelain or composite: This is the same pink color of the gums. Removable gingival veneers made from acrylic or silicone. Orthodontics: Treatments designed to move the position of teeth can correct the gum margin. Surgery: Tissue is grafted from elsewhere in the mouth and heals over the gum recession.

The gums safeguard the fragile tooth roots from bacteria, plaque, and other means of decomposition.

The gums are also known as the gingivae. The gingiva is the moist pink tissue in the mouth that gratifies the base of the teeth. There are two such gums- one for the upper, and one for the lower set of teeth.

The gingiva is a dense tissue with a good furnish of blood vessels beneath a moist surface. The surface is called mucous membrane. It is joined to the rest of the mouth lining but is pink instead of shiny red.

The gums tightly surround the teeth up to the neck of each one and are firmly attached to the jaw bone. The gums usually cover the roots of the teeth, protecting them as they are more fragile than the rest of the teeth.

Gingival recession exposes the fragile tooth roots to bacteria, plaque, and other means of decay.
Why do gums recede?

Poor oral hygiene and periodontal disease connected to gingival recession. But receding gums can happen in people with good standards of oral hygiene, too.

Broadly, there are two causes of receding gums. Physical wear of the gums Inflammation of the gum tissues- this is a reaction of the immune system Inflamed gums known as gingivitis. This condition can lead to periodontitis Periodontitis ensues in spaces between the gums and teeth and loss of connective fibers and bone around the tooth roots. This leads to retreat gums Appearance Fear of tooth loss Sensitivity due to exposed tooth roots