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The Role of Gum Disease in Gum Recession: How Periodontal Health Affects Gum Tissue Stability

Gum health is a critical aspect of your overall oral hygiene. The state of your gums can have far-reaching consequences not just for your mouth, but for your general well-being. Your understanding of these issues can be the key to preserving the stability of your gum tissue and maintaining a healthy smile.
 

What is Gum Disease?

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an inflammatory condition that affects the tissues surrounding and supporting your teeth. It is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults but is often preventable with proper oral care.
 

When considering gum disease, it is crucial to understand that it progresses in stages. Initially, you may notice your gums are red, swollen, and bleed easily. This stage, known as gingivitis, can usually be reversed with diligent brushing, and flossing and regular dental checkups. However, if left untreated, gingivitis can advance to periodontitis. At this point, the inner layer of the gum and bone pull away from the teeth and form pockets, which can become infected. As the infection progresses, these pockets deepen, further gum tissue and bone are destroyed, and this can lead to teeth becoming loose or falling out.
 

Gum recession is often a result of periodontitis. As the gums recede, gaps form between the gums and teeth, providing a breeding ground for bacteria. Besides the risk of tooth loss, gum recession can lead to sensitive teeth, as more of the tooth and root are exposed to external stimuli.
 

Causes of Gum Disease That Leads to Gum Recession

Several factors can contribute to the onset and progression of gum disease, which can eventually lead to gum recession.
 

One of the primary culprits is poor oral hygiene. Inadequate brushing and flossing can leave plaque on your teeth. Plaque that is not removed hardens into tartar, which can only be removed by a dental professional. The bacteria in plaque and tartar can cause inflammation in the gums, leading to gum disease and subsequent recession.
 

Lifestyle choices such as smoking or chewing tobacco can also play a significant role. Tobacco use is linked to a weakened immune system, making it harder for your body to fight off the bacteria that cause gum disease. Furthermore, hormonal changes in women, certain illnesses such as diabetes, and medications that reduce saliva flow can also increase the risk of developing gum disease and, consequently, gum recession.
 

Treatments for Gum Disease and Gum Recession

When gum disease progresses to a point where at-home care is not enough, professional treatments become necessary. Depending on the severity of the gum disease and gum recession, a range of options is available.
 

Surgical interventions such as flap surgery or pocket reduction surgery might be required. The surgeon lifts the gums back to remove the tartar, and in some cases, the irregular surfaces of the damaged bone are smoothed to limit areas where disease-causing bacteria can hide. The gums are then placed so that the tissue fits snugly around the tooth again.
 

Gum grafts are another surgical option, particularly when the recession has advanced significantly. Tissue is taken from elsewhere in your mouth or from a donor source and attached to the affected area to cover exposed roots, reduce further recession, and regenerate lost gum tissue.
 

Lastly, advancements in dental technology have led to the use of laser therapy for treating gum disease. Laser therapy can target and remove inflamed gum tissue without cutting, reduce bacteria, and stimulate the regrowth of tissue and bone.
 

Conclusion

Your gums play a pivotal role not only in your oral health but in your overall well-being. Understanding the intricate link between gum disease and gum recession is imperative for maintaining the stability of your gum tissue. By recognizing the causes, appreciating the importance of periodontal health, and seeking professional treatments when needed, you can take proactive steps to protect your gums.
 

If you are concerned about your gums or have noticed any signs of gum disease or recession, reach out to Palm Beach Center for Periodontics and Implant Dentistry at our office in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Please call (561) 621-3111 to schedule an appointment today.