The causes and treatment of gum recession – From a periodontist’s perspective

Gum recession – also known as periodontitis – is a common and serious gum disease that can cause not only aesthetic issues but also, in the long term, lead to tooth loss. This problem is caused by the gradual destruction of the connective tissues between the gums and the teeth, which can be triggered by various factors.

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What can we do against gum recession?

An effective approach to preventing gum disease is maintaining regular and thorough oral hygiene practices. The bacteria found in dental plaque and tartar can cause inflammation in the gums over time, which can lead to the destruction of gum tissues in the long run.

In addition to home dental care, regular dental check-ups are crucial for preserving healthy gums, as our trained diagnosticians can recognize issues from the initial signs, allowing timely preventive treatments to be implemented.

 

This is how gum disease can be prevented:

Correct tooth brushing technique and dental floss usage  

Thorough brushing twice a day and regular use of dental floss are essential for removing plaque. Using a toothbrush and dental floss allows us to eliminate bacteria in hard-to-reach areas, thereby reducing the risk of inflammation.

Regular dental check-ups and tartar removal  

Annual or semi-annual dental examinations provide an opportunity for the professional assessment of gum health and the removal of tartar. The accumulation of tartar and the presence of plaque can cause inflammation, which can worsen if not treated promptly.

Periodontal screening examination  

If someone is showing signs of gum recession or has a genetic predisposition to the disease, it is worth going for a periodontal screening examination. The periodontist will assess the condition of the gums in detail and, depending on the health of the tissues, will prepare a personalized treatment plan.

What could be behind it? – The causes of gum disease

There can be many causes for the development of gum disease, the most common of which are the following:

Dental plaque accumulation
Plaque that accumulates at the junction of the teeth and gums, along with the tartar that forms from it, can cause inflammation, which may lead to gum recession in the long term.

Genetic predisposition  
Certain individuals are genetically more prone to developing periodontal diseases. For those with a family history of gum recession, regular screenings and preventive treatments are even more important.  

Improper oral hygiene
Inadequate or improperly performed tooth brushing and lack of flossing allow bacteria to accumulate along the gum line, leading to inflammation.

 

Smoking
Smoking can greatly contribute to the development of gum problems as it damages the blood supply to the gums and reduces the oxygen levels in the oral cavity, creating unfavorable conditions for the gum tissues.

Stress and weak immune system
Continuous stress and a weak immune system affect the body’s ability to defend itself, making it more susceptible to bacterial proliferation, which can lead to gum recession.

Gum disease – The stages of gum disease

Gum recession is not a problem that occurs suddenly but progresses through several stages. Different degrees of the disease are associated with varying symptoms and treatment options – for easy recovery, it is important to consult a specialist as soon as early signs of gum recession appear!

1.

Gingivitis

The first phase of gum disease, which often results in bleeding and red gums. At this stage, the process can still be reversed with proper treatment and good oral hygiene.
2.

Early stage gum disease

The inflammation penetrates deeper, damaging not only the gums but also the structure supporting the teeth. In this case, specialized cleaning and tartar removal may be necessary.
3.

Advanced gum disease

The connective tissues in the periodontal area begin to deteriorate, teeth may loosen, and in the worst cases, may even fall out. Treating advanced periodontitis requires complex interventions.
4.

Tooth loss

In the final stage, the stability of the teeth decreases so much that they either fall out or need to be removed. In such severe cases, implantation is often necessary for tooth replacement.

Gum disease treatment

There are several methods for treating gum disease, which depend on the severity of the condition. The goal of treatment is to eliminate inflammation, reduce infections, and strengthen the supporting structures of the teeth.

Rosental Dental clinic in Budapest allows you to benefit from the highest quality periodontal services.

 

Oral hygiene treatments
The foundation of treating periodontal diseases is regular professional cleaning, during which tartar and plaque are removed. This treatment helps to eliminate inflammation caused by bacteria and reduces the risk of infection.

Medication treatments
In certain cases, the periodontist may use anti-inflammatory medications or local antibiotics that specifically target the bacteria causing the infection.

Surgical interventions
If the inflammation has reached deeper tissues, periodontal surgery may be necessary. The aim of surgical procedures is to remove infected tissues and promote the regeneration of the bone tissue surrounding the teeth.

Gum regeneration techniques
In some cases, modern periodontal procedures offer the possibility of partially restoring the structure of the gums. These treatments are particularly effective when the teeth have not completely lost their stability.

Lifestyle changes and establishing a proper oral hygiene routine
The long-term effectiveness of gum recession treatment is closely related to lifestyle habits. Quitting smoking, proper nutrition, and stress management all contribute to maintaining gum health.