What is Gum Retraction? When Is It Dangerous?
📍 Your gum health is in safe hands with modern treatment methods in Mersin Yenişehir.
Does bleeding happen when brushing teeth? Do your teeth look longer than before?
Unfortunately, many of my patients who think such symptoms are “insignificant” come to the point of losing their teeth over time. Gum recession; It is a serious gum disease that often progresses insidiously, but can lead to tooth loss if neglected. Gingival retraction actually means that the jawbone holding the tooth has melted. Gum recession is more common, especially in older age groups or individuals with incorrect brushing habits.
But the good news is that when gum recession is noticed, it can be stopped with early and correct treatment and the lost tissues can be replaced. As long as it is not noticed too late or neglected.
What is Gum Retraction?
Gum retraction is the retraction of the gum as a result of the melting of the soft tissue surrounding the teeth, that is, the jawbone holding the tooth in such a way as to expose the root surface of the gum. Teeth appear longer, sensitivity increases as the root surface remains outside, and over time this can lead to caries, inflammation and tooth loss.
Gum pulling is not a disease by itself.
It is usually the result of another problem:
* Gingivitis (gingivitis)
* Caries, Infections and Abscesses
* Periodontitis (Advanced Gum Disease)
* Hard brushing habit
* Clenching or grinding of teeth
* Orthodontic problems and incorrect closing of teeth
* Cigarette use
* Systemic Diseases and Medicines
* Traumas and Physical Blows
If you have one or more of these, there is a high probability that you will experience gum pulling.
What are the Symptoms of Gum Retraction?
* Lengthening of tooth lengths
* Sensitivity of the teeth (especially in hot and cold)
* Bleeding gums
* Bad breath
* Redness or swelling of the gums
* Feeling of shaking or emptiness in the teeth
- Formation of Dec December between teeth
If you have even one of these symptoms, you should be evaluated by a dentist without wasting time. Gum pulling does not correct by itself; it is a progressive process.
Here are the main reasons that lead to gum retraction:
- Tartar and Plaque Accumulation (Insufficient Oral Hygiene)
Bacterial plaque that accumulates on teeth that are not brushed regularly and are not cleaned with dental floss hardens over time and turns into tartar. These dental calculi put pressure on the edge of the gum and irritate the tissue in the area. Over time, the gum becomes inflamed and begins to recede. Tartar is not just an aesthetic problem; serious inflammatory processes can be hidden under it. I recommend every patient to have a dental stone cleaning at least 1 time a year with special hand tools. But first of all, I would like to say that it is necessary to obtain a cleanable mouth, which can be achieved with anatomical dental filling and, in other words, by having a mouth with a key-lock relationship between all teeth and opposite teeth.For this reason, it should also be known that thanks to the mouth that can clean itself, there may be no need to clean dental calculi.
- Incorrect Brushing Techniques
Brushing teeth too hard or applying pressure at the wrong angles mechanically damages the gum tissue. This condition can lead to noticeable gum retractions, especially in the neck areas of the upper canine teeth and molars. It is very important to use medium-hardness bristled brushes, to brush gently from the gum to the tooth in a sweeping style and in circular movements. It is thought that a hard brush will clean better or a soft brush will protect the gums, but in fact, you damage your teeth and gums.
- Clenching and Grinding of Teeth (Bruxism)
Chewing muscles exert intense pressure in people who squeeze or grind their teeth without realizing it during sleep. Nov. This force weakens the bone connections of the teeth and the gum. Micro tears form on the gum, which can lead to withdrawal over time. The use of a night record is quite useful in such cases. If left untreated, not only the gums can be affected, but also the tooth roots and the jaw joint.
- Dental Caries, Infections and Inflammations
Tooth decay does not only affect the tooth. When the bruise deepens and reaches the nerve tissue, inflammation may develop at the root tip. These infections sometimes spread to the surrounding tissues and cause abscess, fistula or withdrawal in the gum. In addition, untreated gum infections (gingivitis, periodontitis) are a direct cause of withdrawal. Especially chronic infections gradually destroy the supporting tissues of the tooth.
- Genetic Predisposition (Aggressive Periodontitis Disease)
Some individuals have a greater sensitivity to gum diseases. Withdrawal may start at an earlier age due to a genetic predisposition in people with advanced gum disease (Aggressive Periodontitis) problems in their family. Protective measures are of much greater importance for these people. We can’t completely change genetic factors, but we can control the risk.
- Smoking Use
Gum circulation is disrupted in individuals who smoke. The gum is not oxygenated enough and the defense mechanism is weakened. This condition prepares the ground for infections more easily. In addition, smoking can mask gingivitis. So the problem progresses, but it goes unnoticed. As long as smoking is not stopped, the chances of success in treatments decrease.
- Orthodontic Problems and Tooth Closure
Complicated teeth, a jaw structure that does not align properly, or faulty orthodontic treatments can cause some teeth to put too much pressure on the gum. This condition can also lead to local gum withdrawals over time. Orthodontic evaluation is therefore necessary not only for aesthetics, but also for periodontal health.
- Poorly Made Fillers and Dentures
Overflowing fillings, bridges or coatings that put pressure on the edge of the gum can lead to irritation, inflammation and withdrawal of the gum tissue. Such restorations need to be re-evaluated and, if necessary, corrected. In our clinic, we offer both aesthetic and healthy solutions with minimally invasive procedures with a laser device in such cases.
- Systemic Diseases and Drugs
* Diabetes
* Diseases of the immune system
- Some blood pressure medications
These conditions can affect the structure of the gum tissue.
➡️ Therefore, gum removal becomes easier.
- Traumas and Physical Blows
Situations such as accidents, hard bites or improper use of dentures,
➡️ It can cause gum retraction by damaging the gum.
What are the Treatment Methods of Gingival Retraction?
First of all, the correct diagnosis and treatment are required. If the cause of gum retraction is determined, an effective treatment can be planned.
Treatment options include:
* Dental stone cleaning with professional special hand tools
* Root surface flattening (Open or Closed Surgical Curettage Operations)
* Frenulum (tongue or lip tie, gingival curtain operation) Operations
* Soft tissue graft ( Gingival Transplant)
* Laser-assisted surgeries
➡️ With advanced methods, it is possible to achieve both aesthetic and functional success.
Will Gum Pulling Return?
This is one of the most common questions we hear from our patients.
Answer: Yes in the early period, and yes in the advanced period only with surgical operation methods
If there is a withdrawal caused by gingivitis, the gum can recover itself after the inflammation is removed. But if the root surface of the tooth is exposed, advanced surgical methods such as soft tissue grafting may be required in this case.
What Is Good for Gum Extraction?
You may be doing this search on the Internet often. But here’s what you need to pay attention to:
Although suggestions such as herbal solutions, carbonated water, clove oil provide temporary refreshment, the real solution is professional intervention.
It is Up to You to Protect Your Smile…
Gum pulling; when you are late, it leads to jaw bone resorption and even tooth loss. But with early diagnosis, correct diagnosis, appropriate treatment planning and successful treatment, it can be completely controlled.
I’m Prof. Dr. As Birkan Taha Özkan, I continue to approach each of our patients with special solutions in our clinic, to bring you a healthy smile by combining modern technologies and experience Decently.
If you want to make an appointment for your questions, you can contact us. We would like to welcome you at our clinic in Mersin Yenişehir.