Gum Lift 5 Reasons Why You Need It

If you’re unhappy with the appearance of your teeth, you are not alone. According to a study published by the Australian Society of Orthodontics, more than 55 percent of Australians admit to feeling self-conscious about their teeth, often to the point that it impacts their social and professional life. Many of these same individuals have even gone as far as to say that they would put correcting their dental problems ahead of nearly any other facial procedure. Fortunately, modern-day dentistry can correct many of the dental problems that keep so many Aussies from fully enjoying their lives. And this is even true for those who are struggling with periodontal disease or other dental problems that can cause their gums to recede.

HOW RECEDING GUMS CAN AFFECT YOUR ORAL HEALTH

For those who are unfamiliar with gingival recession, also commonly referred to as receding gums, it is a dental problem that results in a loss of gum tissue, which then causes the roots of the teeth to become exposed. Gingival recession can also cause tooth sensitivity and may even lead to tooth loss. To further put this into context, let’s take a closer look at what happens in the oral cavity when the gums begin to recede.

When an individual’s gums start to recede, small pockets often form in-between their teeth and gums. While some space in-between the teeth and gums is normal, too much can lead to a buildup of the disease-causing bacteria that usually precipitates tooth loss. To put this into perspective, individuals with a healthy oral cavity will have a pocket depth of 1 and 3 millimeters. By comparison, those with serious dental problems, such as periodontal disease, for example, often have pockets that are between 4 mm and 5 mm deep.

WHAT CAUSES GUMS TO RECEDE?

Aside from periodontal disease, receding gums can be a byproduct of any of the following:

• Poor oral hygiene

   

• Brushing or flossing too aggressively

   

• Hormonal changes

It should be noted that this particular dental problem can also be a byproduct of genetics. Studies published by both Oral-B and WebMD show that 30 percent of the world’s population is genetically predisposed to developing periodontal disease, which is the leading cause of most cases involving gingival recession. And this happens even if these individuals are brushing twice per day, flossing, and otherwise taking excellent care of their teeth.

GUM LIFTS TO TREAT RECEDING GUMS

Many Brisbane dentists, including those at Dentist Clinic Toowong, Brisbane have recently started offering gum lifts as a treatment for those with receding gums. Also commonly referred to as a gingivectomy or gum contouring, a gum lift is a type of oral surgery whereby a dentist will cut and reshape a patient’s gum tissue to cover exposed tooth roots. For those with periodontal disease, a dentist may perform a gum lift along with the following treatments to further reduce the risk of tooth loss:

• Regenerative procedures

   

• Crown lengthening

   

• Pocket reduction treatments

It should be noted that treatments can vary depending on the severity of the individual’s gingival recession. For example, those with mild gingival recession usually see noticeable gum tissue improvements after undergoing a series of deep cleaning treatments, which consists of scaling and root planing. This approach to treating gingival recession will consist of the dentist scraping away the plaque and tartar that has accumulated on the surface of the teeth as well as the roots. Next, the teeth and roots are polished smooth to prevent these substances from reattaching to them. Along with scaling and root planning, some dentists may start their patients on a course of antibiotics if they are only struggling with a mild case of gingival recession.

TOP 5 REASONS WHY YOU MIGHT NEED TO UNDERGO A GUM LIFT PROCEDURE

In some cases, less invasive treatments, such as a deep cleaning or a course of antibiotics, can resolve an individual’s receding gums. However, there are 5 instances where a gum lift might be the best course of treatment. And they include the following:

• Severely swollen gums

   

• Gums that bleed easily

   

• Gums that are inflamed

   

• Sensitive teeth

   

• Chronic bad breath

More often than not, these symptoms are indicative of a serious dental problem. And if left untreated, they can lead to tooth loss. All in all, if you have developed any of the dental problems detailed in this article, you should schedule an appointment with a dentist as soon as possible.

Autobiography

Elizabeth is a renowned leader in the space of Health and Mental Wellness topics. Her work has appeared on more than a dozen influential sites and blogs. Her articles both focus on providing valuable information and an entertaining read that her readers enjoy. More about her work on – ELIZABETHMARKS.me