What Causes Gum Recession?
Our teeth remain in our mouth, attached to both of our jaws, attached to our gums.
The main function of the gums is to protect the roots of our teeth and to ensure that our teeth remain firmly in our mouth.
Therefore, problems in our gums negatively affect all our teeth.
It is a definition that includes the meaning of gum recession. As is immediately obvious, gum recession; Our gums lose volume downwards in the lower jaw and upwards in the upper jaw, making them appear more towards the roots of the teeth than they should be.
In cases of advanced gum recession, sometimes a significant part of the tooth root is exposed.
In general, gum recession is a health problem that develops over time. Therefore, it may take time to realize it.
The first development that becomes noticeable is the development of hot-cold sensitivity and the feeling that the teeth are lengthening.
If gum recession is not detected early and treated effectively, the teeth that begin to loosen will fall out or have to be extracted in the medium or long term.
Gum Diseases
Gum (Periodontal) Diseases are one of the frequently encountered problems that seriously affect dental health. Gum diseases mostly occur as a result of infections caused by bacteria found in the mouth. These infections can affect the gum tissue and supporting tissues surrounding the teeth, causing serious damage. Generally, neglecting or inadequately performing basic hygiene practices such as regular tooth brushing and flossing plays an important role in the emergence of gum diseases. Additionally, genetic factors, smoking, stress, hormonal changes, and some medical conditions may also affect the development of gum diseases.
Gum diseases usually occur with mild symptoms at first. These include redness of the gums, swelling, bleeding, bad breath and gum recession. If not diagnosed and treated at an early stage, the disease can progress and cause gum tissue to recede and teeth to become loose.
Additionally, in advanced cases, serious damage to the jaw bones may occur, which may lead to tooth loss. Treatment varies depending on the severity and progression of the disease. In the early stages, cleaning teeth and improving oral hygiene habits can often be sufficient. In more advanced cases, methods such as professional teeth cleaning, gum pocket treatment, surgical interventions and bone grafts may be required.
What is important is regular tooth brushing, flossing, regular dental check-ups and adopting a healthy lifestyle to prevent gum diseases. In this way, gum health can be protected and the risk of serious complications such as tooth loss can be reduced.
Inadequate or Improper Dental Care or Dental Treatments
Brushing your teeth harder than normal can cause the gums to recede, along with excessive wear of the enamel layer of your teeth. Maintaining oral hygiene is not limited to just brushing and cleaning your teeth. However, it is necessary to gargle with dental floss and professional oral care products. Intraoral tartar formation is the most important cause of gum recession that should be addressed under the heading of hygiene. Faulty, inaccurate or incomplete dental treatments are also an important factor in gum recession. Therefore, it is important to choose a dentist who is expert and reliable in his field.
Structural and Genetic Risk Factors
Having crooked teeth in the mouth makes oral care difficult. For this reason, people with structural problems in the mouth should receive treatment in this area and pay more attention to dental care.
Since it is not possible to prevent genetic factors with today’s medical facilities; The most important precaution is for people who have receding gums in their family (parents, siblings, etc.) to know that they are at greater risk in this regard and to take care to have regular dental examinations.
Hormonal Changes
People experience hormonal changes throughout their lives. Every individual experiences conditions that affect hormonal levels, such as puberty or menopause. These changes affect the whole body and can also negatively affect the gums. Pregnancy is also a period of important hormonal changes that are responsible for gum recession.
Tobacco and Tobacco Products
The use of tobacco and tobacco products, which are held responsible for many health problems today, increases plaque formation on the teeth. In addition, since it causes insufficient oxygenation of the gums, it is considered one of the most important causes of gum recession today.
Other Factors
Old age is an important risk factor for gum recession. The likelihood of gum recession increases with age.
Diabetes is a condition that increases the risk of gum recession. People with diabetes are at greater risk than those without diabetes. Although it is known to have fewer causes; Grinding or clenching teeth also causes gum recession.
Some medications that cause dry mouth cause gum recession as a result of our mouth being less resistant to bacterial infections.