What is Gum Receding?

Gum recession is a dental condition which can be described as the gum tissue of a patient is pulled away from his teeth, and exposed the roots underneath. There are a number of reasons why gum recession happens such as genetics, smoking, and aggressive brushing. It may cause pain besides the lack of aesthetic look.

Why Does Gum Receding Occur?

Gum recession is an uncomforting dental problem. The causes of gum receding changes depend on the patient. The possible gum receding causes can be listed as below.

• Genetics: According to the researches, 30% of the people more likely to have gum diseases compared to others. Researchers say that those people, who has gum diseases no matter how well they care for their teeth, could have it in their genes.
• Poor Dental Care: One of the causes of gum receding can be inefficient brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash, which are the ways to protect a patient’s teeth having tartar or plaque. A patient is also recommended to have a dental cleaning in every six months.
• Periodontal Disease: One of the causes of gum receding is a bacterial gum infection which is called periodontal disease. This bacterial gum infection may cause a patient’s gum tissue destroyed. It also damages the bone which holds the teeth in place.
• Misaligned Bites or Crooked Teeth: When a patient has issues on his jaw or teeth structure, he may experience gum receding because of too much force.
• Hormonal Changes: The changes in the hormones which can be a reason of menopause, puberty or pregnancy may affect the gums, and make them more sensitive than normal. Having more sensitive gums is one of the causes of gum receding.

What are the Ways to Prevent Gum Receding?

Having a gum recession is a dental disease that no one wants to have. What are the ways to prevent gum receding? How can a patient avoid gum recession? Here is a list below.

• A patient is recommended to brush his teeth thoroughly at least twice a day.
• A patient is recommended to floss at least once a day.
• A patient is recommended to have a soft-bristled toothbrush, and change it every six months.
• A patient is recommended not to smoke or chew tobacco.
• A patient is recommended to use an antimicrobial mouthwash at least twice a day.
• A patient is recommended to visit a dentist’s office once in every six months.

These are the ways to prevent gum receding. However, if a patient observes any changes on his um tissue, he should check with a dentist immediately.

What Should Be Done After Gum Receding?

What to do after gum receding is a question that a patient asks after having a gum recession. A patient is probably recommended to have a surgery which is called gum graft surgery. This surgery is the long-lasting treatment of gum recession. It is performed by a gum specialist who is also called as a periodontist. It is the most predictable treatment.

Gum graft surgery is what to do after gum receding. During the surgery, a gum specialist replaces the missing gum with a gum graft. The gum specialist usually takes the graft from the roof of the patient’s month. There are more than one types of gum grafting procedures. The surgeon determines the most appropriate one for the patients.

Does Gum Receding Spontaneously Pass?

The time required for gum receding to pass depends on several factors which are directly linked to the answers of the following questions.

• How many teeth have been treated?
• Where did the gum graft come from?
• What type of grafting procedure did the surgeon do?

In a regular case, the time required for gum receding to pass is two weeks. The gum specialist gives imperative postoperative instructions which needs to be followed close by the patient. So that he can have a successful and comfortable recovery.