Can You Fix Receding Gums?

Receding gums, where the tissue surrounding teeth wears away or pulls back to expose the tooth’s root, is one of the most common dental conditions patients may experience.  Once gums recede, gaps form between the teeth and gums which can cause a buildup of disease-causing bacteria.  If not addressed, the gum tissue and bone structures surrounding the teeth can be damaged and could result in tooth loss.  Because receding gums are so common, patients may wonder what, if anything, they can do to fix the condition.

One of the primary causes of receding gums is periodontal disease.  Caused by bacteria, these infections damage the gum tissue and bone that hold teeth in place.  Because the early stages of periodontal disease are generally not painful, symptoms often go unnoticed, are not treated, and can develop into periodontitis.  Patients that notice redness in the gums, bleeding when flossing or brushing their teeth, or tenderness, should seek evaluation from a dentist.  Since it is vital patients for patients to address periodontal disease early, routine visits to the dentist for evaluation and cleaning are one of the most effective ways to combat gum recession.  Patients can also minimize the likelihood of periodontal disease by avoiding tobacco products and certain foods and drinks that contribute to bacteria growth and plaque buildup.

Another contributor to receding gums is poor dental hygiene practices.  Patients can slow gum recession by ensuring that they adopt proper brushing, flossing, and cleaning routines.  Overaggressive brushing or using a toothbrush with hard bristles, can damage the tooth enamel and lead to gum recession.  Infrequent or inadequate brushing, flossing, or failing to use antibacterial mouthwash, can also allow plaque to turn into tartar which can only be removed through a professional tooth cleaning.  Patients are therefore encouraged to floss daily, brush their teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush, and visit the dentist every six months for cleanings to minimize gum recession associated with poor dental hygiene practices.

There are several treatment options that a dentist can provide to patients experiencing receding gums.  In cases where the recession is mild, a deep cleaning procedure, known as scaling and root planing, can be implemented.  With scaling and root planing, dentists scrape away tartar from the teeth and under the gum line.  The dentist may also apply an antibacterial gel under the gum line or prescribe an antibiotic mouthwash to further combat the condition.

For more severe cases of gum recession that scaling and root planing cannot remedy, a dentist may recommend surgical alternatives.  The three most common surgical options are gum grafting, bonding, and flap surgery.  Gum grafting involves an oral surgeon taking gum tissue from another area of the mouth and placing it around the receding gum tissue.  Whereas gum grafting involves using a patient’s own gum tissue, bonding utilized gum-colored resins that are placed over the sensitive roots of the affected teeth.  With flap surgery, the dentist makes an incision into the gum tissue, lifts the gum flap up, and cleans any plaque buildup.  Patients with severe gum recession should discuss their options with their dentist to ensure the proper course of treatment is taken.

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