We don’t do a lot about dental issues here, in truth I feel panicky whenever I think about my teeth, especially as my holistic dentist has now retired!  Please do recommend if you know someone in Herts or London!  Here, a US guest writer, shares a post about a unique procedure.   

In periodontics, a dentistry branch that deals with supporting structures around the teeth, receding gums is a periodontal condition that is seen quite often, particularly in older populations. The U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that more than 47 percent of adults over 30 have some type of periodontal disease, and 70 percent of people over 65 have a periodontal condition. One of the most common ways to treat gum disease is through tissue grafting.

What Is Tissue Grafting?

Tissue grafting, also known as a gum graft, is when soft tissue is taken from another area of the body, mainly the palate (the roof of the mouth), or another tissue bank, treated to prevent tissue rejection and infection, and placed in the area where the gums have receded from the teeth.

Healthy gum tissue is one way that the body naturally defends the mouth and teeth. When gums have receded, it lowers the body’s defense capacity and exposes the oral cavity to disease. Receding gums can leave a tooth’s roots prone to infection. When tissue grafting is used to treat gum recession, it covers the root and helps foster a healthier environment for the teeth and gums.

Reasons For Gum Recession

There are multiple reasons why a person would have receding gums. Here are some of the top reasons for gum recession.

Age

Age is a leading cause of receding gums because certain parts of the human body naturally deteriorate with age. However, a lifetime of vigorous brushing of teeth can also cause gum recession.

Medication

Some types of medication can also spur gum recession. Heart medications, birth control, and anti-depressants are common culprits.

Inflammatory Conditions and Diseases

Certain health conditions that cause inflammation throughout the body can also contribute to gum recession. People with conditions such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and cardiovascular disease are likely at increased risk of having receding gums.

Genetics

For some people, gum recession is unpreventable because of genetics. People that have a family history of receding gums might need to become proactive about their gum health.

Poor Dietary Habits

It’s widely known that consuming too much sugar and other types of unhealthy foods is a large risk factor for oral conditions like tooth decay. This is also true for gum health and contributes to gum recession.

Teeth Grinding

Teeth grinding is another common cause of receding gums because the pressure can wear down tooth enamel and break down gum tissue. As the gum tissue quality degrades, it becomes susceptible to recession.

Poor Oral Hygiene

People that are lackluster about their oral hygiene usually have poor oral health. Lack of adequate brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits can lead to the teeth and gums becoming diseased. Gum recession is no exception.

Smoking

Smoking can lead to countless health conditions and diseases — and gum recession is one of them. In fact, smoking has been proven to be one of the leading causes of periodontal diseases, including receding gums.

Fortunately, gum recession and other types of periodontal conditions are usually treatable. Tissue grafting is one of the most effective treatment methods that can help reverse and restore gum health.