Causes of Gum Erosion

When it comes to proper dental hygiene, many people think that all they need to do is take care of their teeth. They actually neglect to care for their gums. The thing is, the gums are essential to maintaining good dental health. Gums that are not healthy can cause teeth to become loose and wobbly, affecting bit strength. Severe recession of gums can lead to tooth loss and other dental problems. The team at our Fort Lee cosmetic dentistry would like to look at gum erosion and recession right now so you understand why it’s so important to address.

About Gum Erosion and Recession

Gum erosion refers to the condition in which the gums begin to pull away from the tooth. This exposes the dentin layer of the tooth to potential bacteria and tooth decay. This means that you may develop cavities below the gumline, leading to many dental health issues. And, as mentioned above, the recession may lead to wobbly teeth and eventual tooth loss.

Before we look at the cosmetic dentistry services that may help address these matters, let’s first look at some causes of gum erosion.

Gum Disease and Gum Erosion

One of the most common causes of gum erosion is gum disease. Gum disease occurs as a result of poor dental hygiene. Food particles can get trapped between teeth, eventually causing bacterial infection of the gums. In its early stages, gum disease is known as gingivitis. In addition to receding from a tooth, the gums may appear swollen or red and may even bleed if you have gingivitis. If it goes untreated, gingivitis can turn into periodontitis. This is much more severe and may result in tooth loss and misalignment.

Trauma to Gums and Gum Erosion

Another common cause of gum erosion that many people do not consider is trauma to the gums. This doesn’t necessarily mean an accident injury either. In fact, the toothbrush that you use may be causing your gums damage. This is especially true for people who brush very vigorously and notice that their gums bleed as they brush their teeth. Be sure to brush gently yet thoroughly, and to use a toothbrush with soft bristles.

Treatment Options for Gum Recession

There are many different treatment options for gum recession available. Some Fort Lee restorative dentistry and cosmetic dentistry options may involve traditional or advanced soft tissue augmentation. This means possibly using donor tissue from the roof of your mouth to help rebuild gum tissue around a tooth. Advanced measures may also be employed to fight gingivitis or periodontitis.

Preventative Care for Healthy Gums

Of course, prevention is the best option. Be sure to brush and floss regularly and diligently to help reduce the chances of tooth decay and gum disease occurring. Also be sure to visit us twice a year for your annual checkup and general dental care services. This will be a good way for us to monitor your dental health. You can also ask us any questions or bring up any concerns that you may have.

Get More Information About Periodontal Treatments and Dental Health Matters

To learn more about treatments and prevention of gum recession, contact our Fort Lee cosmetic dentistry center today.