COULD YOU HAVE GUM DISEASE?
Healthy gums don’t bleed, so if you see blood when you brush or floss your teeth, it could be a sign that you are developing gum disease.
What is gum disease? Also known as gingivitis, gum disease affects at least 50% of adults. It can cause bad breath and red, swollen, and bleeding gums. If left untreated, it can lead to receding gums and, eventually, tooth loss. That’s why it’s essential to find effective ways to stop gum disease in its tracks.
Gum disease can lead to Gum recession. It’ necessary to be able to identify the signs of a real health issue.
Gum recession is the process in which the margin of the gum tissue that surrounds the teeth wears away or pulls back, exposing more of the tooth or the tooth’s root. When gum recession occurs, “pockets,” or gaps, form between the teeth and gum line, making it easy for disease-causing bacteria to build up.
Can receding gums grow back?
The simple answer is no. If your gums are damaged by, for example, periodontitis, the most severe form of gum disease, receding gums can’t grow back. However, even though receding gums can’t be reversed, there are treatments that can help to stop the problem from getting worse.
Treatment
The treatment for receding gums depends on the underlying cause. The following treatments can help reattach or restore gum tissue around the teeth:
Scaling and root planing
Scaling and root planing are some of the first treatments for receding gums that a dentist may recommend.
These procedures remove plaque and tartar from below the gumline, where regular brushing cannot reach.
Root planing removes plaque and tartar specifically from the roots of teeth. Afterward, a dentist will use special instruments to smooth the roots, which helps the gums reattach to the tooth.
Gum graft surgery
A dentist may recommend gum graft surgery (GGS) if a person’s gums have severely receded.
During GGS, a surgeon will take a small piece of gum tissue from elsewhere in the mouth and use it to cover the exposed tooth roots.
GGS helps prevent bone loss and the gums from receding farther. It can also protect the previously exposed tooth roots from decay.
Pinhole surgical technique
Pinhole surgical technique (PST) is a relatively new treatment for mild to moderate receding gums.
PST is a minimally invasive procedure that involves making a tiny hole in the gum tissue above the exposed tooth root.
A dentist will insert a special tool into the hole to separate the gum from the tooth, and then they will stretch and reposition the gum back over the exposed tooth root.
This article was complied in an effort to provide signals that may warn you of larger dental health concerns. See your dentist for regular cleanings to ensure a healthy smile for a lifetime.
(Reposted from online articles)