Are Your Teeth Looking a Little Long?

Regular brushing and flossing are essential for protecting the health of your mouth.

woman in a dentist chair getting her teeth brushed

In addition to your daily at home care routine, it is also crucial to have your mouth professionally cleaned and examined at least every six months. Skipping out, even occasionally, on oral care can quickly lead to complications, including gum recession. When gum recession occurs, it can cause several other significant oral health issues. If you are faced with gum recession in Trophy Club, TX, David Crumpton, DDS can help.

smiling man sitting at a table with a laptop computer

The Role of Your Gum Tissue

Your gums play several important roles in the health of your mouth. Healthy gums provide a tight, protective seal around the necks of your teeth. This seal prevents bacteria from attacking the roots of your teeth, your periodontal ligaments, and your jawbone. The tissue covers over the roots of your teeth, protecting them from painful sensitivity. They help to provide additional stability for your teeth, working with your periodontal ligaments and jawbone to keep them securely in place. The gums also play a crucial role in the appearance of your smile.

What Causes Gums to Recede?

There are several factors that can contribute to gum recession. One of the most common causes of recession is poor oral hygiene. When you neglect your oral care, plaque and bacteria are left to build up on the surfaces of your teeth. These substances cause the gum tissue to become irritated, and subsequently inflamed. When the tissue is inflamed, it begins to pull away from the surfaces of your teeth. Bacteria hide out under the gums, causing more irritation. The tissue continues to pull away and eventually dies off, leading to recession.

Other causes of gum recession include:

Bruxism. This is a condition in which you grind and clench your teeth. The constant grinding and clenching can cause the tissue to wear away.
This is a condition in which you grind and clench your teeth. The constant grinding and clenching can cause the tissue to wear away.
Alignment issues. If your teeth are poorly aligned, the gums can begin to recede.
Soft tissue trauma.
Ill-fitting dentures. These can rub against the gums and lead to recession around healthy teeth.
Using tobacco products. These products contain numerous harmful chemicals that can have negative effects on your gums.
Prominent tooth roots. These can push gum tissue out of the way.
Some individuals are genetically predisposed to gum recession.

How is Gum Recession Treated?

There are several different treatments for gum recession. The type of treatment recommended for you depends upon the severity of your situation.

Scaling and root planing. This treatment is a deep cleaning of your teeth that removes plaque, tartar, bacteria, and other debris from all surfaces of the teeth, both above and below the gum line. Removing this buildup can provide significant relief for your gums and allows them to heal.
Soft tissue grafting. A soft tissue graft, or gum graft, is a surgical procedure that involves taking tissue and suturing it in place over the affected teeth. As you heal, the tissues fuse together and restore a healthy, protective, natural gum line.

If you are experiencing gum recession, it is important that you have the issue addressed quickly. For more information, call David Crumpton, DDS at 817-678-7395 today.

Are Your Teeth Looking a Little Long?

The Role of Your Gum Tissue

What Causes Gums to Recede?

How is Gum Recession Treated?

Start your journey to a perfect smile.