When it comes to oral health and wellness, your gums are a key piece of the puzzle.
The gums are the foundation that supports your teeth and acts as a protective barrier. They anchor teeth to the jawbone and help protect your tooth roots from bacteria as well as preventing infection from spreading to other parts of the body.
Healthy gums are necessary for chewing, talking and overall health.
However, gum health can suffer when oral health is not up to par, resulting in gum recession.
Keep reading for more on gum recession and what to do if you notice it.
Gum recession: avoiding it and treating it
Receding gums can be painful and cause other issues. Gum recession can be caused by a variety of things, include gum disease, brushing aggressively, using tobacco, misaligned teeth, grinding of the teeth and even hormonal changes.
It can also be caused by poor oral hygiene habits, which can cause tartar and plaque to occur – irritating gums.
Any of these issues can cause gums to pull away from the teeth.
First and foremost, it is key to be sure you are brushing at least twice daily and flossing once a day. Also, getting to the dentist every six months is also vital for your cleaning and exam.
Next, when you do brush, be sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush gently in a circular motion. No need to use too much pressure!
If you grind your teeth, an appointment with Dr. Milan can determine the best course of action – which may be a mouthguard to wear at night.
If you find yourself with gum recession, there are a variety of ways to treat it.
This includes a deep dental cleaning to remove tartar and plaque below the gum line. Antibiotics can also be a solution to remove bacteria. And in some cases, orthodontic treatment is necessary to reposition teeth so gums can align themselves.
Further, dental bonding and gum grafting are also solutions. As is the pinhole surgical technique, which is a minimally invasive treatment that repositions gums.
Every case is unique and should be treated as such.
Dr. Mitchell Milan, Birmingham Center for Cosmetic Dentistry
Birmingham Center for Cosmetic Dentistry is known as the best of the best when it comes to dental and cosmetic dental offices in metro Detroit and beyond.
Dr. Milan leads a team of dental experts and is highly skilled, trained and experienced in preventative dentistry, cosmetic dentistry and restorative dentistry. He has helped thousands of patients achieve oral health – and attain a smile they are proud of.
If you are suffering with gum recession or simply searching for a high-quality dentist who can handle all of your oral health needs, we invite you to contact us today.