Over the years, even with those who faithfully keep up a regular, proper oral hygiene regimen, gum line recession can gradually creep up on you until it suddenly becomes a noticeable problem.

That said, unhealthy gums are much more prone to recede, and good dental hygiene at home and regular periodontal check ups do much to reduce your risk.

Below, we’ll first look at the common dangers and common causes of gum line recession and then introduce the most up to date solution – pinhole surgical technique (PST) grafts.

What Are The Dangers Of Gum Recession?
The most obvious issue with gum line recession is the aesthetic one, that is, how it affects your smile. A very low gum line can make your teeth seem overly large and make you feel shy about showing your pearly whites.

But looks are not nearly the most serious danger of a lowered gum line. First of all, it exposes more of your tooth roots, which opens them up to plaque build up, bacteria, and decay. And realize that the root, unlike the rest of your tooth, has no enamel to protect it and so can potentially decay much more quickly.

A second problem with exposed tooth roots is that it increases tooth hyper-sensitivity to hot/cold temperatures. This can make it painful to enjoy some of your favorite foods and drinks.

Finally, the most serious dangers associated with receding gums are an increased risk of gum disease, teeth becoming loose as the exposed roots give way from the bone, and ultimately, a greater risk of tooth loss.

What Causes Gum Line Recession?
As mentioned earlier, gum recession can occur sometimes regardless of what you do. It may be partly genetic, for example. But there are definitely common causes and ways to slow or (sometimes) prevent it.

Too-aggressive brushing ranks among the most common causes. Using a soft bristled brush and going only very gently over your gum where they meet the teeth is best practice. Flossing too hard between teeth can also make gums sore and make them start to recede.

If your teeth are misaligned, this can cause pressure to be unevenly distributed on your teeth and gums when you bite down. Wherever the pressure is tight, it can cause gums to recede. Finally, periodontal disease, teeth clenching and grinding, and the aftermath of sports or other injuries to your mouth, can all cause gum recession.

How Can PST Grafts Help?
For some gum problems, laser periodontal treatment or traditional surgical methods may be best. But with gum recession, PST grafts are clearly the most up to date and minimally invasive procedure.

With PST grafts, only a tiny “pinhole” incision is made in the gum tissue just barely above each tooth. Special tools are inserted into the hole that a trained periodontist uses to stretch and reposition your gums. Collagen strips are then used to keep your gums in their new (correct) position.

The PST procedure involves only minimal amounts of pain, bleeding, or gum soreness. And it can often be done in a single dental visit in only a hours. The recovery time is extremely fast, and taking some tylenol or NSAID’s post-op is all most people need to do.

To learn more about gum recession and find out if you are a candidate for PST grafts as a solution, contact periodontist Dr. Raymond A. Kenzik in Ormond Beach, FL, today!