Oral health
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It can affect people of all ages and, unfortunately, also those who practice scrupulous daily oral hygiene.
Gingival recessions can cause numerous oral health problems. When teeth are healthy, the gum tissue envelops each tooth as if it were a sheath.
When gum recession occurs, the gum tissue pulls away from the tooth leaving, in severe cases, the root of the tooth exposed. Since the root of a tooth does not have the protection of enamel, as in the case of the crown or visible part of the tooth, it can easily become very sensitive to heat and cold and is at increased risk of decay.
What is gingival recession?
This problem, which is often difficult to diagnose in the early stages, occurs gradually and we often notice it when we become aware of a particular sensitivity of the teeth or when we observe changes in their length.
Apparently, it seems that the teeth are longer, but in reality this is a consequence of the change in the position of the gums . It is a very problematic disorder because it exposes the roots of the teeth, affects the canines and premolars more frequently, leaving them more exposed to microbial action, creates esthetic problems in the smile (especially if it affects the anterior area) and favors dental sensitivity and bad breath, it also produces more serious consequences, such as damage to the superficial enamel, dental mobility, pyorrhea and abscesses, with the presence of blood and pus.
Causes
As has been repeatedly emphasized, receding gums are not a pathological condition that appears suddenly, but represent the so-called "tip of the iceberg" i.e. a problem that gradually arises as a consequence of careless or poorly treated behavior, bad habits or other pathologies.
Receding gums usually appear in adulthood, usually after the age of 40, and more rarely among young patients.
Among the factors that cause gum recession are a series of incorrect habits that mainly involve rough oral care, sometimes deficient, sometimes non-existent, or the use of incorrect instruments and products for daily cleaning.
Failure to floss can also facilitate plaque buildup and the subsequent formation of tartar, that hard substance that accumulates between the teeth and can only be removed by professional oral hygiene. This can lead to gum recession.
Among the possible risk factors is also the use of a toothbrush unsuitable for them, such as those with hard bristles. In fact, in the case of sensitive teeth, it is advisable to use toothbrushes with soft bristles, which are gentler during brushing and cleaning and avoid irritating the gums.
Other causes that can lead to receding gums are periodontitis (a disease caused by a microbial periodontal infection, which can lead to tooth loss), gingivitis, diabetes, hereditary diseases, vitamin C deficiency and other diseases closely related to oral care.
Nor should we forget the presence of a "genetic" factor, whereby some people are more predisposed than others to the risk of contracting gum disease and for which prevention and comprehensive care of the teeth is essential. In these cases it is recommended to pay even more attention to oral care and to visit the dentist regularly for routine examinations and professional oral hygiene.
Smoking and chewing tobacco are also factors that lead more easily to the development of dental plaque, with all the consequences that this entails. Care should also be taken with tongue or lip piercings which, by rubbing against the tissues of the mouth, can lead to inflammation of the gums.
Finally, bruxism, i.e. the tendency to clench the jaws, can force the teeth with excessive pressure and cause inflammation and bleeding of the gums, especially at times of particular stress and often at night.
What are the symptoms of gingival recession?
When this problem occurs, spaces are created between the teeth and gums, which are called "pockets".
They are spaces that facilitate the proliferation of bacteria, causing various damages and discomfort. In fact, if not properly treated, gingival recessions can permanently damage dental tissue and bone to the point of causing tooth loss.
In addition to the cosmetic consequences of exposed or missing teeth, gingival recessions can also lead to serious infections in the mouth, which can cause pain when chewing and swallowing.
Bad breath, swollen and red gums, hypersensitivity, dental pain and bleeding gums are some of the most common complaints initially caused by gum recession. The first consequence is increased tooth sensitivity, which can cause various complications and discomfort during the most common daily activities.
Treatment
The first remedy we suggest has to do, in fact, with prevention, which we know is the best weapon to ward off various diseases and pathologies and better preserve the health of the oral cavity. In fact, it is recommended to pay more attention to daily oral care and to rinse frequently with a mouthwash based on cetylpyridinium chloride to remove all plaque and prevent tartar accumulation. Poor oral hygiene is the main cause of dental and gum problems.
As for daily cleaning, it is best to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and clean the teeth gently, without too energetic movements that may cause discomfort or irritation to the gums, as is the case when using toothbrushes with hard bristles. It is important to remember to always brush with movements that go from the gum towards the tooth, never backwards and never horizontally.
The choice of toothpaste is also important: in fact, it is advisable toopt for those rich in fluoride, with low abrasiveness and avoid products with whitening action that may cause increased tooth sensitivity.
It is also advisable to avoid smoking and sugary foods, and to promote a balanced diet of fruits and vegetables. In this way, you will at least partially solve the problem of tooth sensitivity due to recession.
In the most severe cases, specialists will recommend periodontal surgery to graft tissue to the exposed part of the tooth in order to thicken the gum tissue. This procedure is the most invasive treatment. Whenever possible it is preferable to intervene immediately and undergo gingival soft tissue protection therapies.
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Prevention of gingival recession
The best prevention for gingival recession is proper daily care, avoiding abrasive toothpastes, using a toothbrush soft and always brushing from the bottom up (i.e. starting at the root of the tooth and moving upwards). In this way, brushing will be more soft and less traumatic for the gums, reducing the possibility of irritation.
Another tip to prevent gum recession is to keep appointments with your hygienist or dentist for proper professional oral hygiene: this is a treatment that should be performed once or twice a year, depending on the case. During your visit to the dentist's office, the hygienist will inform you about it.
Acting promptly against gum recession is fundamental not only to solve the esthetic defect that, for some, can represent a real nuisance, but also to avoid the risks directly related to a more serious degeneration of the pathology.
Therefore, oral hygiene should be part of everyone's daily routine, especially after meals. Along with toothbrush and toothpaste, you can use a suitable Mouthwash for gum problems, which will gently protect the gums and help prevent inflammation and related pathologies.
