I Think My Gums Are Receding Los Angeles, CA
For many patients, solutions for gum recession can enhance both their appearance and overall dental health. Gum recession can happen even to people with good oral hygiene. There are many options available to treat receding gums.
Solutions for gum recession are available at Vatan Dental Group in Los Angeles and the surrounding area. Call us today at (310) 906-1300 to schedule an appointment and learn more.
Signs of Receding Gums
Receding gums are most evident when the tooth's roots are exposed. This happens when the gums have dissipated further and further back until there is no longer a secure gumline. Patients often go a long time before realizing that they have gum recession since physical signs may not appear during the initial stages.
Common symptoms of gum recession include a changing appearance (the tooth appears longer and the space between teeth increases), bad breath, bleeding gums, gum pain, red or swollen gums, loose teeth or tooth loss, and sensitivity to cold and heat due to exposed tooth roots. These symptoms are common in gum disease and periodontitis, while gum recession is often an early sign of gum disease. It is important to seek an examination and treatment as soon as any of these signs appear.
“Patients often go a long while before realizing that they have gum recession as physical signs may not appear in initial stages.”
Causes of Gum Recession
Although gum recession is often a sign of poor oral hygiene, it can occur in people with good oral hygiene as well. Hereditary traits in a person's oral health can affect the way the teeth position themselves and the thickness of the gums. These traits cause an individual to be more prone to recession. Gum recession in healthy individuals can also be caused by excessive or over-brushing, piercings, and damage from previous dental treatments.
Poor oral health is more often the cause of receding gums. Individuals with thin gum tissue may be prone to inflammation and infection due to increased plaque buildup. Oral health conditions, such as gingivitis and periodontal disease, are also common causes of gum disease. Receding gums are an apparent physical symptom in many oral conditions.
“Poor oral health is more often the cause of receding gums.”
Treatments for Gum Recession
Mild gum recession is often treatable through a scale and planing procedure, also known as a deep cleaning. This treatment involves professional cleaning and removing plaque from the surfaces of teeth and beneath the gum pockets. This also removes or prevents infection that may arise from plaque buildup.
More severe gum recession will require a surgical procedure to treat effectively. Common surgeries for the treatment of gum recession include:
- Open flap scaling and root planing: The medical professional folds back the affected gum tissue, removes the harmful bacteria from the pockets, and then secures the gum tissue in place over the tooth root, thus eliminating the pockets or reducing their size.
- Regeneration: If the bone supporting the teeth has been destroyed as a result of gum recession, a procedure to regenerate lost bone and tissue may be recommended. The professional will fold back the gum tissue and remove the bacteria. A regenerative material, such as a membrane, graft tissue, or tissue-stimulating protein, will then be applied to encourage the body to regenerate bone and tissue in that area naturally. After the regenerative material is put in place, the gum tissue is secured over the root of the tooth or teeth.
- Connective tissue graft: In this soft tissue graft procedure, a flap of skin is cut at the roof of the mouth (palate) and tissue from under the flap, called subepithelial connective tissue, is removed and then stitched to the gum tissue surrounding the exposed root. After the connective tissue — the graft — has been removed from under the flap, the flap is stitched back down.
- Free gingival graft: Tissue is taken directly from the roof of the mouth instead of under the skin.
- Pedicle graft: If there is enough gum tissue surrounding the affected teeth, then it is possible to graft gum from near the tooth instead of removing tissue from the palate.
The type of surgery will depend on the patient's case, age, risk factors, medical or oral health conditions, and the severity of evident gum recession.
“More severe gum recession will require a surgical procedure to effectively treat.”
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Prevention
Following basic oral hygiene practices is usually enough to prevent gum recession. This includes brushing at least twice daily, flossing daily, rinsing after each meal, and visiting the dentist for routine dental checkups and cleanings twice yearly. However, individuals who are at higher risk for gum issues or notice early signs should exercise more precautions. We recommend avoiding plaque-building agents, such as acids and sugars, and visiting the dentist more frequently for deep cleanings to keep the gums clean and healthy.
Going Without Treatment
Receding gums cause thinning of gum tissue, a leading pathway for plaque buildup. Plaque is the single most common cause of infection or gum disease and, in advanced cases, periodontal disease. These diseases of the gums are responsible for edentulous, also known as tooth loss. Weakened gums also loosen the secure hold that gums have on the teeth, which can lead to jaw damage over time. It is crucial that patients seek treatment for gum recession immediately.
“Receding gums cause thinning of gum tissue, a leading pathway for plaque buildup.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. Am I at risk for receding gums?
Q. What are some common signs of receding gums?
Q. What are the causes of gum recession?
Q. How is gum recession treated?
Q. How can I prevent gum recession?
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Q. Am I at high risk for developing oral cancer?
Risk Factors for Gum Recession
Certain populations may be more at risk for gum recession than others. For instance, age is a leading risk factor for receding gums, with almost 90% of people older than 65 reporting a receding gum in at least one tooth. Those who smoke or use other tobacco products also face an increased risk of receding gums, as they are more likely to develop sticky plaque.
Some genetic conditions, like thin or weak gums, may also increase one's chances of gum recession. Patients with diabetes may also be more likely to have their gums recede, as the disease might reduce the blood supply to the gums.
“Certain populations may be more at risk for gum recession than others.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I improve gum recession at home?
A. Receded gums cannot grow back, so the condition is irreversible. However, practicing exceptional oral hygiene can prevent the progression of recession. Various treatment options are also available to alter the appearance of the gumline.
Q. How long can gum recession go untreated?
A. It is best to treat gum recession as soon as early signs appear or a dentist makes an evaluation. Going without treatment can cause plaque buildup, infection, and gum disease. These conditions, when severe, will likely lead to tooth loss or jaw damage.
Q. Are there natural remedies to keep the gums healthy?
A. All patients should exercise adequate oral hygiene habits, such as brushing, flossing, rinsing, and routinely visiting the dentist. Healthline suggests a variety of home remedies for caring for the gums at home. This should be done alongside the preventative measures listed above.
Q. What kind of toothbrush is recommended to avoid harsh brushing?
A. We recommend using a soft-bristled toothbrush as medium or hard toothbrushes can wear and tear surface enamel and irritate the gums, causing recession to occur. The ADA recommends soft-bristle toothbrushes with angled or multi-layer bristles and electric toothbrushes.
Q. What kind of toothbrush is recommended to avoid harsh brushing?
A. We recommend using a soft-bristled toothbrush as medium or hard toothbrushes can wear and tear surface enamel and irritate the gums, causing recession to occur. The ADA recommends soft-bristle toothbrushes with angled or multi-layer bristles and electric toothbrushes.
Q. Is gum recession linked to any other health conditions?
A. Gum recession is linked to oral health conditions such as gingivitis, gum disease, and periodontal disease. It is also linked to general health conditions such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. There are certain health conditions that make one more prone to receding gums and vice versa. It is important to mention all health conditions to both your doctor and dentist.
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Gum Disease Terminology
Call Us Today
Gum recession can be stressful to experience. We at Vatan Dental Group may be able to help. Call us today at 310-906-1300 to learn more and schedule an appointment.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2024
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2024
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2024
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