Treatment Options for Receding Gums

A person has receding gums when the roots of their teeth become exposed. This usually leads to a higher risk of tooth decay and teeth falling out. Formally called gingival recession, this condition often leads to increased sensitivity to cold and hot foods and the acids in them, making eating a painful affair.

Thanks to breakthroughs in dental technology, receding gums can now be easily treated. It is also much easier to prevent it due to improvements in oral care products.

How to avoid having receding gums

The best way a person can ensure that they do not have to deal with gum recession is by taking proper care of the mouth. Good oral hygiene includes brushing at least twice a day, flossing at least once a day, using a quality mouthwash, and regular dental cleanings.

When it comes to brushing, a person should brush right before going to bed. That is important because food particles and bacteria build up in the mouth during the day. Combine that with the fact that saliva production is reduced while sleeping, and one ends up with the perfect recipe for tooth decay and gum disease. Practicing good oral hygiene is typically enough to keep receding gums at bay.

Gum recession can also be caused by other factors, like a person's genes, poor teeth alignment or habits like teeth grinding or smoking. Anything that makes it easier for plaque and tartar to accumulate at the gumline makes a person more susceptible to tooth decay. In some cases, gum recession is caused by simply brushing too hard, especially near the gumline.

Treating gum recession

Treatment of gingival recession often depends on the factors that caused it in the first place. The goal is always to eliminate or at the very least, lessen these factors. For example, gum recession caused by poor alignment can be addressed by sorting out the alignment issue. If it is being caused by poor hygiene, it can be addressed by practicing better habits.

Once the underlying cause of the recession has been addressed, dentists can then start restoring and enhancing the appearance of the patient's gums.

The treatment options for gingival recession include:

1. A deep cleaning

The dentist might decide to use special tools to remove tartar and plaque buildup from the patient's teeth roots where there is gum recession. This is called root planing.

2. Gum grafting

During this procedure, the dentist will take healthy gum tissue from the roof of the patient's mouth or use artificial gum material to replace eroded gum tissue. This procedure is often performed by a periodontist. This is a specialist who primarily deals with the gums and the bone structures it supports.

3. Regeneration

This is reserved for cases of severe gingival recession. The dentist uses a regenerative material to help regenerate bone tissue that has been lost.

Gum recession is a slow process that takes years before noticeable damage occurs. This makes it harder to detect. If you have noticed your teeth are beginning to appear longer, schedule an appointment with one of our dentists for proper diagnosis and treatment today!

Call (703) 745-3227 today to reach Titan Dental Care.