What are receding gums?
Also known as gingival recession, it refers to the loss of gum tissue, which are the gums. In some cases, the dental root becomes exposed, leading to severe consequences.
Main causes of receding gums
Keep in mind that this issue is not merely cosmetic; the deterioration of the tooth can lead to complete loss of the piece.
These are the main causes:
Poor dental hygiene
Failing to properly clean your mouth leaves it vulnerable to bacteria and other harmful agents that can lead to gingivitis. If left untreated in its early stages, it can evolve into periodontitis.
As this disease progresses, the gums begin to recede, which can ultimately lead to the permanent loss of the tooth.
Tobacco use
Smoking is one of the leading causes of oral diseases, including gum recession.
The smoke from tobacco causes inflammation of the gums, reducing blood flow to the mucosal tissues. As a result, bacteria can advance easily, worsening periodontal disease.
Moreover, contaminants in tobacco stimulate the development of cavities and bone resorption in the mouth.
Brushing too hard
Brushing with excessive force or using a toothbrush with stiff bristles can cause bleeding gums and simultaneously cause them to recede.
This will force the dental piece to “reposition” in the remaining gum tissue, leading to recession, which can be quite uncomfortable.
Bruxism
This is a habit that we perform unconsciously, both while awake and asleep. Unfortunately, it is fairly difficult to detect.
However, when we clench our teeth tightly, we put pressure on the dentition, which can result in the movement of some dental pieces.
Other causes of receding gums
While the previously mentioned factors are the primary causes, other elements can also contribute to gum recession:
- Stress: High levels of stress may lead to bad habits, such as clenching the teeth, biting hard objects like pens, or nail-biting.
- Genetic factors: Some dental conditions are significantly influenced by genetics, which may be a hereditary issue or a result of improper mouth formation.
- Orthodontic treatment: Poorly executed orthodontics can gradually cause the gums to recede to cover the damaged dental piece.
- Implants: Dental implants indicate that the original tooth’s bone has been lost and replaced with a false one. The gums perceive there is “no bone,” so they gradually withdraw.
- Lack of dental pieces: If you’ve had a tooth extracted, it’s normal for both the gums and remaining teeth to adjust, especially when wisdom teeth emerge, which may lead to gum recession.
Benefits of using a dental irrigator for receding gums
So, how can a dental irrigator benefit you if you have gum recession?
- The irrigator jet removes 99% of tartar and bacteria, compared to 20-30% with a toothbrush.
- Some models feature a massage function to soothe gum pain.
- It reduces infections and bacteria that can accumulate in the bone as the gums recede.
- Water can be combined with mouthwash for enhanced effects.
- The irrigators include special nozzles designed for cleaning gums and teeth, minimizing discomfort during the process.
- Water penetrates the periodontal pockets to eliminate debris, helping to prevent gum bleeding.