Stop Receding Gums From Getting Worse
Recession is a very common issue that, with timely treatment, can be slowed and restored by your dental professionals. Gum recession can cause a number of problems if left untreated, including bone loss, loose teeth, and eventually, tooth loss.
It is important to visit your dentist regularly so that they are able to monitor the health of your teeth and gums. Your hygienist will periodically measure the pockets between your teeth and gums to make sure they are at a healthy depth, 0-3 millimeters. When gum pockets become infected, measurements can be much deeper, leading to recession and bone loss. If you are experiencing any symptoms of recession, be sure to discuss them with your dentist.
Stop Receding Gums From Getting Worse
Gum disease is the most common reason for gum recession. If your dentist determines that you have periodontal disease, they may recommend scaling and root planing to remove tartar and infection from below the gum line.
This treatment is typically completed over the course of two or three visits since one side of the mouth is treated at a time, and then a final follow-up visit is needed. An anesthetic is administered to the side being treated, enabling your hygienist to remove tartar buildup from below the gum line. If necessary, an antibiotic chip can be placed in any pockets that could benefit from further therapy.
If the recession is severe, you may be referred to a periodontist for more specialized treatment. They will discuss your treatment options, which may include a surgical procedure to restore the area.
How Do I Know if I Have Gum Recession?
Gum recession is when your gums pull away from the tooth surface, exposing more tooth structure. Recession can make your teeth appear longer and often occurs slowly over time, and it often goes unnoticed until significant damage has already occurred. Common symptoms that you may experience include:
- Bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth that does not go away with brushing
- Tender, swollen gum tissue
- Bleeding with brushing or flossing
- Sensitivity at the gum line
- Loose teeth
What Causes Gum Recession?
We have already discussed periodontal disease, but that is not the only cause of gum recession. Other culprits may include:
- Aggressive brushing
- Tobacco use
- Diabetes and other medical conditions
- Tartar and bacteria build up
- Bruxism (clenching and/or grinding your teeth)
- Dry mouth
- Genetics
The sooner periodontal disease is diagnosed, the better your chances of successfully treating and restoring the area. Proper oral hygiene and visiting your dentist for professional cleanings at least every six months is crucial to early detection. If you are susceptible to periodontal disease, your dentist may suggest that you have cleanings more frequently than every six months.