The gums are among the most important tissues in the body. They hold your teeth in place, which is critical for biting, chewing, smiling, and regular oral function. Taking care of your gums is essential for ensuring good oral health and avoiding costly and painful problems down the road.

Without proper oral hygiene, gums can become infected and inflamed, which can cause them to recede and lose their strength over time. Gum recession not only adversely impacts your smile, but it can eventually lead to tooth loss and other problems.

Many patients with receding gums wonder if it’s too late to seek treatment. The truth is, the longer you wait, the worse the condition will get. In some cases, it may even be possible to restore lost gum tissue, so be sure to schedule an appointment with a dental provider as soon as you can.

At Ormond Beach Periodontics, we provide treatments for gum recession that can lead to the best possible outcomes for patients suffering from this problem.

What Causes Receding Gums?

Gum recession occurs when the tissue around the teeth begins to detach, which results in pockets between the teeth and the gum line. The major issue with these pockets is that they create areas within the gum tissue where harmful bacteria can thrive. Over time, plaque will not only eat away at the remaining gum tissue, but it can severely damage your teeth as well.

Gum recession is actually very common. For some, it’s caused by gum disease, while others experience it due to genetics. Aggressive tooth brushing can also be a common culprit. For many people, the condition happens gradually as they age, in which case it can be very difficult to detect. Many patients don’t even notice gum recession until they begin to experience tooth sensitivity or mild discomfort. Other signs and symptoms include teeth that begin to appear longer or a small bump near the gum line.

Strategies For Treating Receding Gums

If your gums are already receding, the good news is hope isn’t lost. There are numerous effective treatments that can help to solve the issue; however, the most important thing you can do is seek treatment right away. The sooner you treat receding gums, the more likely you are to limit additional issues and the greater chance you have of restoring the tissue. Some common treatment options include:

• Scaling and Root Planing – Think of this as a dental deep cleaning. During the scaling and root planing process, your periodontist will carefully lift back your gums and eliminate any harmful bacteria that has accumulated underneath. Then, your provider will secure the gum tissue back to the tooth to eliminate those pockets and prevent future bacteria build-up. This procedure is critical — especially if deep pockets have started forming along the gum lines.
• Gum Regeneration – If your gum line is receding, there are techniques that can help promote the regeneration of gum tissue. Your periodontist may also apply regenerative membranes or tissue-stimulating gels to help encourage the natural regrowth of the gums. Natural gum regeneration isn’t always possible, and sometimes it requires multiple procedures, but in many cases, it’s worth a try.
• Soft Tissue Graft – If the gum regeneration strategies aren’t effective, a soft tissue graft can help restore the tissue along your gum lines. This procedure involves lifting a flap of tissue from the roof of your mouth and securing it to the exposed gum root. Soft tissue grafts are highly effective at masking your exposed root or reinforcing your existing tissue. This procedure will not only protect your teeth but will also help to restore your smile.

How To Prevent Receding Gums

Gum recession isn’t always preventable, but there are things you can do to decrease the chances of it occurring. Here are some recommendations:

• Brush and Floss Regularly – Because gum recession is often caused by periodontitis, staving off gum disease is an effective strategy. Make sure to brush twice and floss once each day.
• Invest In A Soft-Bristled Tooth Brush – If your gums are sensitive, consider switching to a soft-bristled toothbrush and make an effort to brush gently, but effectively.
• Quit Smoking – Smoking is not good for your gum health and can expedite gum recession. We encourage you to quit now to save your gum health.

Receding gums can be treated and reversed in many cases, but timely treatment is key. If you’re experiencing signs of gum recession, schedule an appointment at Ormond Beach Periodontics today. Dr. Beauchamp can work with you to create a custom treatment plan to resolve your receding gums.