Gum Recession Leaves Your Roots Exposed

Gum Recession

When the gum tissue around the teeth starts to wear away or pulls back to the roots of the teeth, your teeth can become more sensitive and the receding gums can affect the quality of your smile. Gum recession can not only indicate the presence of gum disease, but also mechanical or functional problems that need to be addressed. Once the gums recede, they do not grow back; it is therefore important to prevent further recession of the gums. Without proper treatment, you may end up losing your teeth.

Since gum recession occurs so gradually, most people do not even realize they have receding gums until they can see the gaps or experience extreme tooth sensitivity. If your teeth appear longer than normal, it may be because the gums are pulled back and you can feel a notch or a small dent around the gum line. If you are noticing signs of gum recession, talk to your doctor as soon as possible. A dental professional can recommend a treatment plan that will prevent further gum tissue breakdown and take care of other oral health problems.

Gum Recession Treatment Options

If you have gum recession that is a result of periodontal disease, a dental professional can provide a deep cleaning that removes plaque and tartar buildup around the tooth and root surfaces below the gum line. In some cases, antibiotics are also administered to reduce harmful bacteria remaining the spaces between your teeth and gums.

If you have gum recession due to periodontal disease, mechanical, or functional factors, your dentist may recommend surgery to repair the damaged gum tissues.

• Soft Tissue Graft - grafting procedures involve applying tissue grafts from the mouth or a donor graft to the affected area to encourage gum tissue regeneration

Preventing Gum Recession

Taking good care of your mouth and sticking with a good oral hygiene regimen will help to prevent gum recession. Some other preventive measures include:

• Seeing your dentist or periodontist on schedule
• Quitting smoking/tobacco use
• Eating a healthy and well-balanced diet
• Using a soft-bristled toothbrush or an electric toothbrush
• Using the proper tooth brushing technique
• Correcting a misaligned bite or teeth grinding problems
• Monitoring changes occurring in your mouth