What are the causes of Gingival recession

There are a variety of causes for gingival recession. They are usually the result of some underlying disease such as periodontal disease or gingivitis. First, Faulty or aggressive brushing  techniques may result in receding gums. Over aggressive brushing  can wear away  the enamel of the gum line resulting  in gum loss. Second, inadequate brushing  and flossing can cause the gums to recede due to  the bacteria  remaining between the teeth. The bacteria  eventually eat away at the bone. Third,  periodontal disease,  inflammation of the tissues surrounding the teeth, can be a cause  of receding gums. Fourth,  chronic use of snuff or dipping tobacco  between the lips and the teeth has been known to cause receding gums as does smoking. This  affects the mucus membrane lining  in one’s mouth and will cause receding gums over  time. Sixth, misaligned teeth may also be a cause  of tooth loss. Lastly,  receding gums  may also be a result of grinding of teeth. Oral  jewellery has  recently been linked to receding gums. Sometimes, gingival recession is not the fault of the mouth  simply predisposes someone to gingival recession, as for example  when the muscles of the mouth are thick  at their attachment point to the  gums, or when teeth fall to develop enough  to support a thick padding of gums. Orthodontic work such as braces can also sometimes cause gingival  recession, typically because the patient was predisposed to it already.

If the gum recession is caused by gingivitis, the following symptoms may also be present.

·               Puffy, red or swollen gums

·               Gum bleeding while brushing or flossing

          Bad breath

What are the symptoms of Gum recession

Gum recession doesn’t happen overnight and in the vast majority of cases the recession will happen progressively over a period of  years. It’s highly common in adults and because we get used to the appearance of gums and we tend not to notice minimal  changes in them. In many cases the recession of gums goes unnoticed until the condition causes other problems or someone  else points it out to us. There are a number of common symptoms which may indicate gum recession:

·               Teeth appear longer than normal.

·               Toots of teeth are exposed and visible.

·               Teeth feel notched at the gum line.

·               Change in tooth  colour.

·               Increased sensitivity  to hot or cold.

·               Spaces between teeth seem larger.

·               Cavities occurring below the gum line.

In some cases gum recession can be caused by gingivitis and may be accompanied by red, swollen or generally inflamed gums, gums that bleed after brushing and halitosis.

Gum disease - how to prevent gum disease

Gum disease

Gum disease begins when plaque builds up along and under the gum line. This plaque causes infections that hurt the gum and bone that hold teeth in place. Sometimes gum disease makes your gums tender  and more likely to bleed. This problem, called gingivitis, can often be fixed  by daily brushing and flossing.

A more severe form of gum disease, called periodontitis, needs to be treated by a dentist. If not treated, this infection can ruin the bones, gums and other tissues that support your teeth. Over time, your teeth may have to be removed.

To prevent gum disease:

·                       Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.

·                       Floss once a day.

·                       Visit your dentist regularly for a check up and cleaning.

·                       Eat a well-balanced diet.

·                       If you are a smoker, quit smoking. Smoking increases your risk for gum disease.

What is a dental crown?

What is a dental crown ?

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped “cap” that is placed  over  a tooth. The crown  covers the tooth to restore its shape, size  and strength, as also  improves its appearance. The crowns, when cemented into place,  fully encase the entire visible portion of a tooth that lies  at and above the gum line.

Why is a dental crown needed ?

A dental crown may be needed to:

Ø  protect a weak tooth from breaking or to hold  together parts of a cracked tooth.

Ø  restore an already broken tooth or a severely worn down tooth.

Ø  cover and support a tooth with a large filling when there isn’t  a lot of tooth left.

Ø  cover misshaped or severely  discoloured teeth.

Ø  cover dental implant.