Receding Gums Treatments

One of the most common causes of gum recession is periodontal disease, which is typically a result of poor oral hygiene. Some patients are more susceptible to developing periodontal disease and therefore experiencing gum recession, simply due to age, genetics, or underlying medical conditions. Gum recession can lead to exposed tooth roots and cause significant sensitivity and even tooth loss.

In addition to gum recession, periodontal disease is indicated by swollen, red gums, bleeding, and bad breath that does not go away after oral hygiene. Periodontal disease is not uncommon, especially in patients over the age of 40, but regular visits to your dentist can help catch developing periodontal disease early so that proper treatment can be administered. Early stages of periodontal disease are very treatable and may not have any lasting impact. However, left untreated, periodontal disease and gum recession can lead to much more serious oral complications, including tooth loss.

How are receding gums treated?

Gum tissue will not grow back on its own and cannot be reversed, but it is treatable, and there are a number of options available. The type of treatment you receive will depend on the severity of your gum recession, and if your dentist is not able to provide treatment, they may refer you to a periodontist.

One of the first things your dentist will recommend for gum recession is a deep cleaning, also referred to as scaling and root planing. This procedure removes tartar and bacteria from around the surfaces of your tooth roots, below the gum line. A local anesthetic is used to keep you comfortable during the procedure, so most offices prefer to do one side of the mouth at a time so that your entire mouth is not numb for an extended period of time. This type of cleaning often clears up any infection and allows the gum tissue to heal closer to the tooth roots, encouraging a healthier line.

Another option that may be available is bonding. Your dentist can place dental bonding material over the root surfaces to protect them from bacteria and decay.

For patients with severe gum recession, a periodontist may advise gum surgery. A gum graft is a common procedure, where a piece of tissue is harvested from the roof of the patient’s mouth and placed over the affected area. Some doctors may also offer cadaver donor tissue or synthetic tissue, which are typically considered a less painful option since you do not have two surgery sites healing at the same time.

Another surgical option that a periodontist can perform is called a flap surgery. For this procedure, an incision is made in the tissue at the affected area, and the tissue is flapped down. It allows the doctor to remove tartar buildup and bacteria, and they are able to smooth the surfaces of the tooth roots before stitching the tissue back in place.

Is gum recession preventable?

The best way to prevent gum recession from happening in the first place is with good oral hygiene and regular visits to your dentist. That being said, there are patients who are genetically predisposed to gum disease and gum recession. Underlying medical conditions and certain medications can also contribute to gum recession.

Gum recession can also be caused by tobacco use, bruxism, and even crooked teeth. Bruxism is the unconscious clenching and/or grinding that a lot of people do in their sleep or even during waking hours. You can also cause your gum tissue to pull away from your teeth if you brush too aggressively, so it is important to make sure to brush gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush at least twice a day.

Related Article: Can Receding Gums Grow Back?