Gum Recession
Gum Recession Treatment
Gum recession or also known as receding gum line, refers to the progressive loss of gum tissue, which can ultimately result in tooth root exposure if you leave it untreated. Furthermore, gum recession is most common in adults over 40, but the process can start in their teenage years.
Receding gums can be difficult to self-diagnose early because the changes often occur slowly and asymptomatically. However, regular dental checkups and teeth cleaning will help to prevent gum recession and assess risk factors. If you are experiencing receding gums, contact our Kenosha dental practice, Denthetics, LLC at (262) 612-3807 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Felicia Mata-Stein.
Symptoms of Gum Recession
The following symptoms may be signs of gum recession:
- Visible roots – This is one of the significant characteristics of a more severe case of receding gums.
- Long-looking teeth – Individuals experiencing gingival recession sometimes have a “toothy” smile. The length of their teeth is perfectly average, but the lost gum tissue makes the teeth appear longer.
- Sensitive teeth – When the gum recession shows the cementum covering the tooth root, the dentin tubules under it will become more susceptible to outside stimuli.
- Halitosis, inflammation, and bleeding – These are symptoms of periodontal disease or gingivitis. Gingivitis is a bacterial infection that causes the gums to recede from the teeth and can cause tooth loss if not treated.
What Causes Recession Of The Gums?
Gum recession is a prevalent problem that dentists like Dr. Felicia Mata-Stein, diagnose and treat daily. Therefore, it is essential to thoroughly examine the affected areas and accurately diagnose the underlying problem. Once our dentist has determined the cause of the gum recession, they can perform surgical and non-surgical procedures to halt the progress of the gum recession and prevent it from occurring down the road.
The most common causes of gingival recession (receding gums) are:
- Overaggressive brushing – Overbrushing can be as dangerous to the gums as too little. Brushing your teeth too hard or brushing with a hard-bristled toothbrush can erode your tooth enamel at the gum line, causing irritation or inflammation of the gum tissue.
- Inadequate oral hygiene – When brushing and flossing are executed improperly or not at all, a plaque buildup may begin to affect the teeth. The plaque contains numerous bacterial toxins which can promote infection and erode the underlying jawbone.
- Chewing tobacco – Any tobacco use has devastating effects on the oral cavity and will cause gum recession if used continuously.
- Periodontal or Gum Disease – Periodontal disease can result from improper oral hygiene or a systemic disease such as diabetes. The narrowed blood vessels and excess sugars create a perfect environment for oral bacteria. The bacterium causes an infection that progresses deeper into the gums and bone tissue, eventually resulting in tooth loss.
Treatment for Gum Recession
Every case of gingival recession is a little different, and therefore many treatments are available—Dr. Mata-Stein must address the nature of the problem that caused the recession first.
If aggressive brushing techniques are eroding your gums, you should switch to a softer toothbrush and a gentler brushing technique. If poor oral hygiene is a problem, our dentist, Dr. Mata-Stein may recommend prophylaxis (professional dental cleaning) to rid the gum pockets of bacteria and debris. If a patient has severe calculus (tartar) build-up, your Kenosha cosmetic dentist will perform scaling and root planing to heal the gingival inflammation and clean the teeth.
Once our Kenosha dentist, Dr. Mata-Stein addresses the cause of the gingival recession, surgery of a more cosmetic or restorative nature may be recommended. For example, gum tissue regeneration and gum grafting are excellent ways to restore the natural symmetry of the gums and make the smile look more aesthetically pleasing.
Schedule A Consultation At Denthetics, LLC!
Contact our restorative dentist at (262) 612-3807 to schedule a gum disease treatment at Denthetics, LLC. With over 25 years of experience, our dentist treats patients for gum recession from Kenosha, Pleasant Prairie, Somers, Sturtevant, WI and many surrounding areas.