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It is very common to hear about problems in teeth such as cavities, tartar, root canal treatment, extractions, among several other well-known terms. However, anyone who thinks that these are the only problems that dentists worry about is mistaken. In addition to gingivitis, which can have serious consequences, gingival retraction is also a condition that affects millions of people worldwide. But what is it really and how to treat it? We are going to talk about exactly this topic in today’s text. Read to the end and check it out!
What is Gingival Retraction?
It is important to understand what gingival retraction is and why this condition can become so serious. As its name suggests, gingival retraction occurs when the gums shrink , causing the teeth to show. This can happen with just one tooth, that is, with only a part of the gum, or with all the teeth. It is estimated that at least half of the world’s people between 18 and 63 suffer from this problem to some degree.
Gingival retraction occurs due to the loss of periodontal tissue and may be associated with some types of specific causes, which we will talk about shortly.
Causes of Gingival Retraction
First of all, it is necessary to explain that there are some cases in which the causes of gingival retraction cannot be identified, or at least not easily. However, in most cases, it is possible that the cause is identified, making treatment easier as well. Some of the main causes of gingival retraction are:
- Bruxism
- Age
- Bad Teeth Positioning
- Periodontal disease
Let’s talk more deeply about each one.
Bruxism
Bruxism is a disease characterized by the involuntary gnashing of teeth , which ends up generating their wear. Because of this, it is possible that the gingiva is also affected, thus generating its retraction. It is important that this problem is treated before treatment for the retraction itself begins.
Age
It is natural that the size of our gums will decrease over the years. Due to certain genetic factors, this can occur more quickly for one than for others. Still, age is a factor that can greatly influence gingival retraction.
Bad Teeth Positioning
People with a cross bite or crowding may end up demanding too much of the periodontal tissue, which ends up causing the gums to retract naturally. This problem can be easily corrected with the use of an orthodontic appliance, but it is important that it is identified before generating side effects such as gingival retraction.
Periodontal disease
Periodontal disease is nothing more than an evolution of gingivitis, characterized mainly by the loss of such tissue, that is, the gingival retraction itself.
As you can see, many of the causes of gingival retraction are directly related to poor oral hygiene habits . Therefore, it is important to always be aware of this to prevent this problem from occurring. Another cause of this condition is trauma caused by incorrect brushing .
Treatments for Gingival Retraction
Treatment for gingival retraction may vary according to the cause of the problem and also its severity. First of all, a dentist will indicate a treatment for the possible cause. For a patient who has bruxism, for example, it is important to use a dental plaque to prevent the problem from getting worse. Already the patient who has periodontal disease, it is important that the correct treatment is done in order to avoid serious consequences.
In general, the treatment of gingival retraction consists of cleaning and straightening the gums so that you can have an aesthetically pleasing and healthy smile at the same time.
Possible Complications
The simplest complication you can have with a gingival retraction has to do with the appearance of your smile, that is, it is a simple aesthetic issue. However, not treating the disease can cause much more serious problems, such as problems with chewing certain foods and even the total loss of teeth , in more severe cases.
For this reason, it is extremely important to see a dentist as soon as you notice that your gums are retracting, as only a professional can indicate what is the best treatment and prevent problems like this from arising.
How to avoid Gingival Retraction?
As we said before, many of the problems that cause gingival retraction have to do directly with oral hygiene . Therefore, the best way to prevent it is exactly by adopting habits such as brushing your teeth after every meal, before bed and upon waking up; flossing; use mouthwash and visit a dentist at least once every 6 months. By taking these simple steps, you can avoid major complications and ensure that you have a healthy and beautiful smile.
Many of us may not even be aware of the existence of gingival retraction, but it is a fact that it is present in many people worldwide. And understanding that this is a serious problem is essential for you to understand how to prevent and prevent it from reaching you . The more knowledge about your own body you have, the more you know how to take care of it.
My name is Dr. Alexis Hart I am 38 years old, I am the mother of 3 beautiful children! Different ages, different phases 16 years, 12 years and 7 years. In love with motherhood since always, I found it difficult to make my dreams come true, and also some more after I was already a mother.
Since I imagined myself as a mother, in my thoughts everything seemed to be much easier and simpler than it really was, I expected to get pregnant as soon as I wished, but it wasn’t that simple. The first pregnancy was smooth, but my daughter’s birth was very troubled. Joana was born in 2002 with a weight of 2930kg and 45cm, from a very peaceful cesarean delivery but she had already been born with congenital pneumonia due to a broken bag not treated with antibiotics even before delivery.
