What Causes Gum Recession?

Gum recession can become a serious problem, and even people who don’t have significant dental health woes will eventually experience it. Some level of gum recession is normal with age. In fact, that’s where the phrase “long in the tooth,” used to describe an older person, comes from!

Your gums, also known as periodontal tissue, are responsible for supporting the teeth with a healthy blood supply. Stimulating the gums every day by brushing your teeth helps ensure that they will remain strong. In fact, that may be just as important as cleaning the surfaces of teeth.

Still, a number of circumstances can cause gum recession to become very serious.

When Gum Recession Becomes a Problem

Dr. Dale Brant of Ingenious Dentistry notes that there are several causes of gum recession.

“The first one is using a tooth brush that has stiff or hard bristles. This will cause the gum to pull away from the tooth,” he says. “Genetics play a role. If one or both of your parents dealt with receding gums, then this may be an issue for you.

Dr. Brant continues, “Periodontal disease can cause gum recession. That is why it is important to have your teeth cleaned on a regular basis. The gum infection eats away at the fibers that attach the gum tissue to the root of the tooth causing the tissue to pull away and recede from the root. People who clench their teeth can also cause the gum tissue to recede.”

Partially because they are relatively soft and pliable, the gums are vulnerable to infection by certain bacteria. Some forms of bacteria thrive on food particles in the mouth, multiplying very quickly when they come into contact with sugars.

As these bacteria try to colonize the teeth, they form biofilm and, eventually, dental plaque.

Of course, most people know that bacteria in the mouth can be neutralized by brushing every day. Even if you are careful about cleaning your teeth, however, you might encounter issues if bacteria collect under the gum line.

When this happens, only deep cleaning can eliminate the problem and protect the teeth.

If bacteria are allowed to flourish undetected under the gum line, damage to the gums will take place. Likewise, gum damage can happen when gingivitis, a relatively minor inflammation of the gums, progresses to more serious periodontal disease.

Severe periodontal disease tends to cause damage to the gums first, before posing a threat to the jawbone itself. Large amounts of gum tissue can be damaged and destroyed during this process. Luckily, there are ways to restore some damaged tissue.

Gum recession is always a cause for concern. Dr. Brant says, “First of all, it isn’t pretty. It also can lead to the loss of the tooth over a period of time. The root surface is not as resistant to decay as the enamel of the tooth and this can lead to decay, and a possible root canal.”

How to Treat Receding Gums Safely and Easily in Houston

If you are looking for gum recession treatment in Houston, Dr. Brant can help.

Here at Ingenious Dentistry of Houston, TX, Dr. Brant is a leading Dr. Chao Pinhole Technique doctor. The Dr. Chao Pinhole Technique has been lauded by experts and patients around the world for the way it effectively restores gum tissue after serious recession.

Dr. Brant says, “It is a very effective treatment for receding gums with less trauma and discomfort to the patient when compared to the traditional gum recession surgeries.”

During this fast, safe procedure, a tiny needle is used to make a small hole in the patient’s gum tissue. Then, the tissue is gently loosened and expanded, allowing it to slide over surrounding areas where tissue has been compromised.

Through the use of this special, technique, gums can be restored without the use of sutures or a scalpel. The entire procedure takes one or two hours and patients can often return to their usual activities by the next day.

Dr. Brant says, “Gum recession can cause serious dental problems and should be addressed immediately. At Ingenious Dentistry, we have the experience and proper treatment procedures to arrest gum recession and return your gums and teeth to full health.”

To learn more, please contact us today.