Oral health isn’t just designed to keep your teeth in top condition. Your gums also need the same level of care as your teeth.
But for some patients, gum health may require a bit more work. For instance, if you've noticed lately that your teeth seem longer, you may be suffering from a gum recession. It’s the process in which the tissue surrounding the teeth slowly starts to pull back and expose more and more of the tooth’s root.
But gum recession doesn’t just cause visible differences in your smile. If left untreated, the gums can pull back to such an extent that you may become at risk for tooth loss.
If you suspect your gums may be receding, here is everything you need to know about this condition and how to treat it.
What Causes Gum Recession?
Gums can recede for a variety of reasons:
- Genes
- Aggressive tooth brushing
- Gum disease
- Poor dental care
- Hormonal changes (such as during pregnancy)
- Smoking
Determining the root cause of why the gums are receding is often necessary in order to determine the best treatment.
For example, gum recession caused by periodontal disease (gum disease) will involve first treating the infection with antibiotics and cleaning the gums, while pregnancy-caused recession can involve taking medication to treat the inflammation.
How Is Gum Recession Treated?
Treatment for gum recession can depend on the root cause of the condition, as well as its severity.
Usually, mild cases of gum recession will be treated by deep cleaning the affected area. The dentist essentially removes the plaque and tartar buildup from the tooth and below the gum line. Patients may also be prescribed antibiotics to remove any remaining bacteria which can cause the infection to re-emerge.
If gum cleaning isn’t enough, patients may also require gum surgery, such as:
- Open flap - Involves pulling back the gum tissue to remove all the bacteria that lies underneath;
- Bone graft - If the infection that led to gum recession is severe, the jaw bone may also be impacted. As a result, patients may require a bone graft procedure to restore jaw mass, which involves placing a small piece of bone on the affected area;
- Gingival graft - This surgery helps restore soft tissue that was lost because of the gum recession. It involves taking a bit of tissue from the roof of the mouth and sticking it to the gum tissue to help it regenerate.
My Gums Are Receding. Now What?
If you notice your gums are pulling back, the Poulos, Somers & Marshall team is at your service with professional periodontal care in Denver that can help restore your oral health.
To get started, you can book a consultation at Poulos, Somers & Marshall online, and stop by to find out how to treat your gum recession. For more information about us or our services, please call us at (303) 832-4867.
