May 4, 2016

The receding of your gums can be quite concerning. Thankfully, there are dentists who are able to address gum recession in Kissimmee, FL, such as Dr. Ryan Mendro. Not only will he help you develop a plan to ensure your overall oral health, but he can also implement methods such as the Pinhole Surgical Technique® that can correct this issue. However, before you visit with your selected dental provider, there are three things that you should know about gum recession.

What is Gum Recession?

As the name indicates, gum recession is the pulling back of the gums from the teeth. This reveals parts of the tooth that have not been previously exposed, which can be more sensitive and lead to further issues. It can occur in spots but usually spreads across several teeth, if not the entire row.

What Happens

Gum recession begins with the jaw bone. For one of several different reasons the jaw bone becomes de-mineralized, which causes it to withdraw. Since the gum tissue is supported by the jaw, it draws back with the bone, causing the recession. Granted, this process does not occur overnight and the gum tissue does not automatically retract with the jaw bone. However, any aggravation to the tissue without the support of the bone can cause it to recede.

How it Occurs

There are four main causes for gum recession:

  • Genetics: some individuals inherit thin or nonexistent jaw bones in the front of the teeth
  • Trauma: this can shift the entire anatomy of the jaw bone and cause retraction
  • Grinding or clenching the teeth (bruxism): constant tightening of the jaw bone can cause it to grow weak
  • Advanced gum disease (periodontal disease): cronic inflammation due to the disease can compromise the health of the jaw bone

Understanding these things can help you in your quest to prevent or treat gum recession. For more information or a consultation, contact Dr. Mendro today.

Comments

comments

Related Articles

Dental Consulting By Progressive Dental