Washington Periodontics

Receding Gums

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Receding gums

Healthy Gum Tissue protects teeth from disease and is cosmetically important to ensure a naturally beautiful smile. When Gum Tissues recede, your teeth may look longer and older. It can also often cause sensitivity and increases the risk of Cavities. At Washington Periodontics we can treat Receding Gums and keep your mouth looking and feeling healthier.

Signs of

Receding Gums

The first sign of mild Gum Recession is often tooth sensitivity to hot or cold foods. As Gums recede, you may also see changes in the appearance of your teeth or notice that your teeth look longer and discolored.

If left untreated, Gum Recession can lead to more serious problems such as Tooth Loss, Bone Loss, and Gum Disease.

Causes of Gum Recession

There are many factors that can cause your Gums to recede such as:

Teeth Grinding
and Clenching

Constant grinding and clenching of teeth can put a lot of pressure on your gums and cause them to recede. This is often a subconscious habit people do at night while sleeping. If you think you may be grinding or clenching your teeth, you may need a mouth guard or night guard to protect your teeth from further damage.

Brushing Aggressively

While we all know it’s important to brush your teeth twice daily, you should be careful not to brush too hard. Brushing your gums and teeth too hard can cause damage and recession. It's recommended to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle circular motions on the teeth and along the gum line when brushing.

Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is a bacterial gum infection that can cause tooth decay and cause the affected gum tissue to recede. It is often caused by plaque buildup on your teeth. Brushing and flossing regularly and seeing your dentist or periodontist for regular checkups are important to prevent periodontal diseases and bacterial gum infections.

Orthodontics

If you have braces or other orthodontic devices, they may put pressure on your gums and cause them to recede. It’s important to see your orthodontist regularly and follow their instructions on caring for your braces to prevent gum recession.

Oral Piercings

An oral piercing can rub against your gums and cause them to recede. If you have an oral piercing, it’s important to clean it regularly and see your dentist or periodontist for regular checkups.

Tobacco Use

Using tobacco products like smoking cigarettes or chewing tobacco can be a major cause of gum recession. If you smoke, it’s important to quit to help prevent gum recession and other oral health problems.

Genetics

Genetics makes some people more susceptible to gum disease and gum recession. If you have a family history of gum disease, you may be more likely to develop it yourself. You should see your dentist or periodontist for regular checkups and cleanings as recommended to help prevent these issues.

Gum Recession Treatment

The best way to treat gum recession is to prevent it from happening in the first place. However, if you already have receding gums, treatments are available to help stop them from getting worse and improve the appearance of your teeth.
Crown lengthening is a procedure that is often done for cosmetic purposes. This procedure removes the excess gum tissue to expose more of the tooth. This can improve the appearance of your teeth and make them look longer.
Some treatment options for gum recession include:
A soft tissue graft, also known as a gum graft, is a procedure where soft tissue is removed from another area of your mouth and grafted onto the gum tissue surrounding the affected area. This can help to stop gum recession and improve the appearance of your teeth.
A connective tissue graft is similar to a soft tissue graft, but the tissue is taken from underneath your skin. This type of graft is often used when not enough soft tissue is available in your mouth.
A free gingival graft is a procedure where gum tissue is taken from the roof of your mouth and grafted onto the receding gums. This can help to stop the progression of gum recession and improve the appearance of your teeth.
If you have bone loss due to gum disease, a bone grafting procedure may be recommended. In this procedure, bone is taken from another area of your body or a donor and grafted onto the bone around your teeth. This can help to stop the progression of gum disease and improve the appearance of your teeth.
Guided tissue regeneration is a procedure where a barrier is placed over the area of bone loss. This barrier prevents the gum tissue from growing into the area of bone loss and allows the new bone and connective tissue to grow. This can help to stop the progression of gum disease and improve the appearance of your teeth.
Crown lengthening is a procedure that is often done for cosmetic purposes. This procedure removes the excess gum tissue to expose more of the tooth. This can improve the appearance of your teeth and make them look longer.

FAQ's

Learn more about Receding Gums

Although Gum Recession is not a condition that just affects a certain age group, it frequently gets worse as people get older. Although it may begin at any age due to a variety of circumstances, those over the age of 35 are typically affected. The development of Gum Recession may be influenced by a number of variables as we age, including poor Oral Hygiene habits, wear and tear from teeth grinding and clenching, and Hormonal changes. Young people can also develop Gum Recession, especially if they have certain risk factors like aggressive brushing or a Genetic Predisposition. Regardless of age, early detection and treatment of Gum Recession depend on keeping good Oral Hygiene habits and getting regular Dental checkups.

It takes a mix of good Oral Hygiene habits, lifestyle changes, and expert dental PERIODONTAL care to stop or slow down Gum Recession. Start by concentrating on mild Oral Hygiene practices. To prevent harming the Gum Tissue, clean your teeth gently and in a circular motion using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Include daily flossing to get in places a toothbrush could miss, like in between teeth and along the gum line. Early detection and professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar buildup depend on routine dental exams and cleanings. Quitting smoking or using tobacco can greatly lower your risk of developing Gum Disease and Recession.

Wearing a night guard can help shield your Teeth and Gums from damage if you grind your Teeth at night. Orthodontic therapy for misaligned Teeth can help more uniformly distribute stresses across the Gums. Gum health can also be supported by consuming the right foods and keeping up a healthy lifestyle. It’s crucial to see a dentist Periodontist as soon as you discover any signs of Gum Recession since they may offer specific advice on how to stop additional Recession depending on your particular circumstances.

Improving Oral Hygiene practices may be able to reverse early Gum Recession, which can be caused by a variety of factors including ineffective brushing or slight Gum inflammation. On the other hand, advanced Gum Recession brought on by Gum Disease or any number of other causes could not be completely reversible.

If the reason of Gum Recession is something like forceful brushing, bad Oral Hygiene, or slight irritation, it may be possible to reverse the situation by making the necessary adjustments. You may be able to stop or even reverse minor Gum Recession by using the right brushing techniques, strengthening your Dental Hygiene routines, and taking care of any underlying causes. Complete reversal, however, might not be possible if Gum Recession is further severe and brought on by Gum Disease or other underlying problems. Early intervention is essential because addressing the root of the problem can stop future Recession and enhance Gum health.

The healing process for Gum Recession can be lengthy and variable depending on the underlying cause. Important efforts include maintaining proper Dental Hygiene, staying away from irritants, and addressing any contributing factors that may be present. For specific recommendations tailored to your needs, talk to your Periodontist. 

First, make changes to your oral hygiene practice by switching to a soft-bristle toothbrush and utilizing a gentle cleaning motion. Include flossing every day to get rid of plaque and food bits stuck between your teeth and gums. Don’t brush too vigorously, and think about using a mouthwash your dentist suggests. If you observe signs of teeth grinding, using a night-guard while you sleep might lessen the stress on your gums. Maintaining a healthy diet and giving up tobacco products can also help your Gums.

It’s crucial to keep in mind that Gum Tissue needs time to repair. Gum Recession can be halted and healed by consistently practicing proper Oral Hygiene, going to routine dental checkups, and addressing any underlying problems. To get tailored advice on your unique circumstance, speak with a dentist or Periodontist.

For minor cases, using desensitizing toothpaste and practicing better Dental Hygiene may be sufficient. If Gum Disease is evident, it is essential to treat it with expert cleaning, Scaling, and Root Planing.
In cases of extensive Gum Recession, surgical intervention might be recommended. It is common practice to begin therapy with less intrusive methods first; but, in more severe cases, surgical procedures such as Gum Grafting.Before considering Surgery, less intrusive treatments are frequently tried first. Making changes to one’s lifestyle and practicing better Oral Hygiene may be sufficient to treat modest cases of Gum Recession brought on by issues like incorrect brushing or slight discomfort. Gum grafting may be suggested for cases that are more complex. This procedure is intended to preserve teeth from damage, cover exposed roots, and repair Gum Tissue. To choose the best course of action for your particular case, you must consult a Periodontist.
Gum Recession can be treated surgically, and Gum Tissue can be restored, using a Gum Graft. Tissue is removed from one area of the mouth (often the Palate) and transplanted onto the areas where the Gums have receded throughout the surgery. The graft covers exposed Tooth Roots, stops future Gum Recession, and enhances the Gums’ general appearance. Gum Grafts come in a variety of forms, such as Pedicle Grafts, Connective Tissue Grafts, and Free Gingival Grafts. The degree of Recession and the Patient’s particular demands are among the variables that influence the Graft type selection. (WE DON’T ALWAYS USE TISSUE FROM THE PALATE MOST OF THE TIME WE USE AN ALLOGRAFT OR TISSUE FROM A HUMAN DONOR)
In most cases, the most successful Gum Grafting procedures are those that are performed at the earliest stages of Gum Recession. Grafting might still be an option if the Recession has advanced sufficiently and there has been extensive bone loss, although its success might be less likely. Other procedures, like as Dental Implants, may be taken into consideration as an option in situations where the tooth roots are significantly exposed, and the supporting structures have been damaged. Because of this, early detection and management are essential for the best results.
A Surgical Treatment known as Bone Grafting involves the placement of bone or bone-like materials in regions where bone loss has occurred in order to stimulate new bone formation. It is frequently utilized in conjunction with the insertion of Dental Implants or to enhance the bone structure in preparation for a variety of Dental procedures.
Keep in mind that each person’s situation is unique, and because of this, it is essential to discuss your specific Gum health concerns with a Periodontist in order to receive an accurate diagnosis and individualized treatment suggestions.

Washington Periodontics

If you are concerned about gum recession, it’s important to see a dentist or periodontist to determine the cause and develop a treatment plan.

At Washington Periodontics, we are dedicated to helping our patients achieve and maintain healthy smiles. We offer a variety of treatment options for gum recession and can work with you to develop a plan that is right for you. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!