Receding Gums: Causes and Treatments

premier • Feb 28, 2022

Receding Gums: Causes and Treatments

Gum recession is a condition where your gum tissue pulls away from your teeth, exposing more of the tooth or the tooth’s root. Once the tooth’s roots are exposed, it makes it easier for bacteria to settle in the newly created crevices, leading to tooth decay. Receding gums severely damage the supporting tissue and bone structures of your teeth, ultimately resulting in tooth loss.

Once gum recession occurs, there’s no way to regrow the lost gum tissue. However, there are several available treatment options, and our dentists at South Holston Dental Designs can help you find the best way possible to treat gum recession.

What Causes Your Gums to Recede?

Receding gums can be caused by a number of factors, which is probably why it’s an incredibly common condition that affects many people. They include:

  • Gum disease (periodontitis)
  • Aggressive brushing over a lengthy period
  • Grinding or clenching your teeth, which puts pressure on your gums
  • Genetics
  • Poor oral health
  • Excessive smoking
  • A crooked or misaligned teeth

Treatment Options for Receding Gums

Gum recession treatment is dependent on two main factors: the severity of the recession and what caused it in the first place. While its effects cannot be reversed, there are treatment options that can prevent further damage and strengthen the remaining tooth tissue.

Deep cleaning

Deep cleaning, also known as tooth scaling or root planing , is a two-part procedure carried out by your dentist. Firstly, all the hardened tartar and plaque above and below the gum line is removed. Then the dentist will perform root planning, which involves smoothing out the tooth roots to help your gums reattach to your teeth.

Your dentist will often administer a local numbing anesthetic during the procedure, and you will also need to perform regular checkups to make sure the treatment is working.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics are used temporarily to treat receding gums. They are mostly used in conjunction with root planing and scaling and help rid your mouth of any bacteria that may still be lurking. Antibiotics are also useful in preventing tooth infections.

Surgery

Gum surgery is often recommended for more extreme cases of receding gums. There are different types of gum surgery depending on the severity of your condition. They include bone regeneration, root planing and flap scaling, and soft tissue graft. Your dentist will be able to help you determine if surgery is necessary and which type is best.

At South Holston Dental Designs , we are devoted to restoring and enhancing the natural beauty of your smile using conservative, state-of-the-art procedures that will result in long-lasting, beautiful smiles! Want to have your beautiful smile back? Contact us today for immediate scheduling.

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