Why Visit a Gum Recession Dentist

Gum disease can ravage the gums and lead to tooth loss, making it wise to visit a gum recession dentist as quickly as possible upon noticing that you have an issue. The health of one’s gums directly relates to the future health of one’s teeth. Without healthy gums, teeth are not protected and become loose. When gums begin to recede, the risk of future tooth loss becomes great.

What causes gum recession?

Gum disease is the most common reason that the gums recede. Gum disease typically forms because plaque and tartar build up on the teeth underneath the gum tissue. When allowed to remain there, the gums become irritated, inflamed and may begin to bleed. The next step in the process is gum recession, where the gums pull away from the actual tooth structure. If left untreated, pockets can form in the gum tissue leading to an unattractive smile and poor oral health.

Another cause for gum recession is over-brushing. Patients that use a hard toothbrush and brush aggressively may put a strain on the gum tissue itself, causing it to recede. This tends to happen gradually over time so if you notice that the teeth are looking longer than they used to, there is a chance that gum recession has begun to take place.

Diabetes is another risk factor and so is pregnancy. Both restrict blood flow to the gum tissue and can cause it to become unhealthy.

Prevention and treatment options

To prevent gum disease:

• Brush with a soft or electronic toothbrush
• Visit the dentist twice a year for regular teeth cleanings
• Keep blood sugar levels under control

Visiting a gum recession dentist at the first sign of a problem is wise. As with all health problems, the sooner an issue is identified and treated, the faster the treatment process will be and often the more effective. For example, if gum disease is caught early, it can be eliminated before gum recession occurs, whereas waiting to treat the condition can create the need for gum grafts in the future. Ignoring the problem, therefore, is not an option.

One of the first treatments involves removing the plaque and tartar that has initially led to gum disease. This is critical because doing anything else while leaving the plaque in place will only create the same problem in the future. There are two main ways that plaque is removed from under the gums. The traditional method involves pulling the gums away from the teeth and using a dental tool to scrape off the plaque and tartar. The alternative method is using lasers to zap the plaque and tartar, also eliminating it.

Once the plaque and tartar have been removed by our gum recession dentist, receding gums can be restored. There are several methods of doing so, some that are surgical and some that are minimally invasive or non-invasive. The best way to determine which type of treatment solution is right for you is to schedule a consultation with our clinic. We will conduct a thorough examination and determine what has caused the gum recession and the best way to correct the problem. The ultimate goal is to restore the gum tissue so that it can begin to protect the teeth again.

Discover how we can assist you by scheduling an appointment today.