Gum recession can occur at any age due to health problems, poor oral hygiene, tooth problems, and trauma. It can cause sensitivity and pain, but treatment options include addressing underlying issues, reconstructive surgery, and medication or nutrient supplements.
While many people think receding gums are a condition that only occurs later in life, that is not the case. Several causes can lead to this type of gum disease, allowing people of all ages and genders to experience gum recession. These causes include an existing health problem, lack of proper hygiene, abnormal alignment of the teeth, and trauma to the mouth and gum area.
Receding gums are not unusual with people suffering from health problems such as gingivitis or some form of periodontal disease. As the gums begin to recede, the teeth become more sensitive to both heat and cold, creating a lot of pain. In some cases, effective treatment of the underlying disease will slow gum recession and relieve some of the sensitivity.
Poor oral hygiene can also lead to the development of gum recession. Not brushing your teeth regularly, flossing to remove plaque buildup between your teeth, and using mouthwash regularly can lead to all kinds of dental problems and contribute to gum recession. As with gum recession, gums that recede due to poor oral hygiene can cause increased sensitivity, as well as damage to tooth roots over time.
Gum problems of this type can also occur due to tooth problems. Problems can relate to crooked teeth and not fitting properly when the individual bites. Dental problems like this can also occur due to improper alignment of crowns, caps and fillings. Both situations create additional stress on the teeth and gums and, in turn, cause the gums to set back if the pressure is not relieved by having the teeth straightened and balanced by a dentist or oral surgeon.
Trauma can also lead to the development of this type of gum problem. For example, a fall or a car accident could lead to damage to your mouth and teeth. The end result is traumatized gums that expose more of the tooth, including the roots. When this type of activity is the underlying cause of gum recession, reconstructive surgery that repairs the teeth and brings them back into proper alignment is the most effective way to protect exposed roots and relieve excess pressure.
In less severe situations, doctors may recommend using some type of medication applied directly to the teeth to relieve some of the overall gum sensitivity and pain. Often the medicine is in liquid form and is applied along the gum line using a cotton swab. Alternative practitioners recommend the use of different nutrients to slow decay and restore a degree of gum health. Nutrients such as vitamin B complex, vitamin C, a balance of calcium and magnesium, and phosphorus are believed to help stop and sometimes reverse the progress of receding gums.
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