Gingival recession leads to pockets between the tooth element and the gum tissue that can be ideal places for bacteria to accumulate and proliferate.
If this issue is not treated, the risk is to lose dental elements.
This is a very common disorder, it can be complicated for the patient to identify it at an early stage as it evolves gradually, the medical team at the Savasta practice advises you to make a visit as soon as you perceive symptoms related to gingival recession, which include sensitivity to tooth elements and inflamed gums.
A sagging gum tissue is another red flag that should make you consider referral to the dentist.
What are the causes?
Periodontal disease also known as periodontitis is one of the causes that causes gum tissue to recede. As the gum tissue is destroyed, the bone becomes unsupported and is no longer able to hold the dental elements in their original position.
Periodontitis can be brought on by poor oral cleaning, which may be performed incorrectly or not performed with the right frequency.
Not flossing leads to making it difficult to remove all the food debris that goes to settle between the tooth elements, not being removed will lead bacteria to proliferate.
Excessive tooth brushing is not recommended, as this habit can result in receding gum tissue and is also discouraged because it damages tooth enamel.
Bruxism figures among the causes that lead to this disorder; dental elements are subjected to stress and pressure, and receding gum tissue can occur. Smoking is a significant risk factor because of the plaque that forms on the dental elements of tobacco and cigarette users.
Having dental elements misaligned with each other can lead to gingival recession as some places will be subjected to more force than others.
There may also be a genetic predisposition underlying the causes that lead to incurring this disorder.
Treatment of gingival recession
If the condition is not severe, it may be sufficient to contact your dental professional to perform a professional cleaning of the dental elements that will serve to remove plaque and tartar.
If the situation is serious, however, the patient must be operated on to remedy the situation.
Grafting as a solution to gingival recession
This surgery involves inserting tissue onto the gum.
Tissue can be taken from the patient himself, usually the area from which the tissue is taken is the palate, thus the root of the tooth element that is being exposed is covered.
This procedure is called connective grafting.
The tissue may not even be derived from the patient; in fact, there is the possibility of using tissue from animal sources.
In this case it will be heterologous gingival grafting.
Compared with connective grafting, it allows you not to have to go in for a tissue harvest from the patient; it turns out to be a less invasive option for this reason.
Gingival repositioning
This is a procedure that results in repositioning the gingiva after it has been cleaved, as a final step the gingiva is sutured.
This option is chosen when there is no need to increase gingival thickness. Sometimes the 2 techniques can be used in combination with each other
How to prevent gingival recession
It is important to take care of your oral hygiene, have at least yearly professional teeth cleaning, have yearly checkups, use a mouthwash suitable for your needs recommended by your dentist, and floss daily.
It is also important not to brush the dental elements too aggressively, use a toothbrush with soft bristles, and not consume tobacco or cigarettes.
The misalignment of the dental elements must be treated if it contributed to the disorder.
The medical team at the Savasta office is qualified to help you resolve gum recession and understand its cause.
