Tech Break

Receding gums may occur due to a number of factors which include genetics and aging. This is one major dental problem faced by many people today that have caused tooth loss in many adults.  Gums recede due to aggressive brushing and poor oral hygiene which allows bacteria to eat away the gums. Chewing tobacco and eating disorders like bulimia may also cause receding gums.   If this happens, it is best to consult your dentist or periodontist for treatment.

If a person has a mild gum recession, a deep cleaning of the affected area can be performed by a periodontist. During deep cleaning, plaque and tartar that has built up on the teeth and root surfaces below the gum line is carefully removed. Then, the exposed root area is smoothed to make it more difficult for bacteria to attach. This procedure is also called tooth scaling and root planning. Antibiotics will then be given to get rid of any harmful bacteria that may still remain on the mouth. If the receding gums cannot be treated with deep cleaning due of the excess loss of bone and pockets that are too deep, gum surgery may be required to repair the damage. These can be through pocket depth reduction, regeneration, or soft tissue graft. The periodontist can determine the best type of procedure to use on based on an individual’s needs.

Pocket depth reduction is a periodontal surgery performed to gain access on the root surface to effectively remove calculus. This also reduces the size of the pockets to help prevent bacteria from settling in. It involves a series of surgical procedures: gingivectomy, flap surgery and osseous surgery.  In this procedure, the periodontist folds back the receding gums and remove the harmful bacteria from the pockets. He will then snugly secure the gum tissue in place over the tooth root, thus eliminating the pockets or reducing their size.

Regeneration is a procedure to regenerate lost bone and tissue if the bone supporting your teeth has been destroyed as a result of gum recession. Just like in pocket depth reduction, the periodontist will fold back the gum tissue and remove the bacteria. A regenerative material will then be applied to encourage your body to naturally regenerate bone and tissue in that area. This can be a membrane, graft tissue, or tissue-stimulating protein. After the regenerative material is put into place, the gum tissue is then secured over the root of the tooth or teeth.

Soft tissue graft is done when recession of the gingiva occurs.  This procedure starts when a flap of skin is cut at the roof of your mouth. The subepithelial connective tissue from under the flap will be removed and stitched to the gum tissue surrounding the exposed root. Once done, the flap is stitched back down.

It is natural for human beings to observe and wait before acting or doing something. We wait for the problem to hurt us before we react or do something about it. Some call it tolerance and some ignorance.  Two of the most important parts of our body are our set of teeth and gums. Our teeth and gums have numerous uses. With our teeth, we can chew food and taste food with our tongue. Imagine how a person eats without his or her teeth? He or she will immediately swallow the food which may lead to a very serious problem. Thus, it is very important that we save our teeth.

One of the reasons why we lose our precious teeth is gum disease. It is the bloating and soreness of the gums. It is usually linked to symptoms of possible heart diseases. The first stage of gum disease is gingivitis. If you noticed that your gums are swelling and bleeding when you brush your teeth, then this is a positive diagnosis of gingivitis. Not to worry though, normally during the first stage the problem is still reversible.

However, why wait until it hurts? In fact, you can avoid all the pain and traumatic experience with a few guidelines. First, make it a habit to brush your teeth on a regular basis. Remember bacteria build up if you miss out one day of brushing. Therefore you have to double you time.

Thirdly, validate the materials you are using when brushing. How long have you been using your toothbrush? If your teeth are sensitive to hot and cold food or water intake, are you using toothpaste for sensitive teeth? Do you use dental floss or mouth wash? Checking regularly your tools will greatly help in your quest to avoid acquiring gum disease.

Secondly, schedule a dental check up with a professional dentist. A regular visit with your doctor will assure you that your teeth and gums are in good condition. If not, then the doctor will give recommendations to assess the problem. A prophylaxis or dental cleaning is required at least once or twice a year. Your dentist is the best person to give you advice on what to do enhance your teeth and gums.

Furthermore, frequently visiting your doctor will feed you with more knowledge on how to take good care of your teeth. If you already have gum disease, you don’t be ashamed of asking questions because it isn’t only you who has one. In fact, dentists are more than willing to help you with your problem. It’s by the way, their job.