Do your teeth become sensitive after you drink something cold? Do you find it uncomfortable to touch your teeth? The problem could be due to receding gum. If not treated, receding gums can lead to more sensitivity, risk of developing tooth decay, and tooth loss.

Once the gum recession begins, reversing it naturally is almost impossible. The only way to deal with the condition is to visit a dentist. If you are wondering whether you can fix receding gums, read on!

About Receding Gums

Gum recession or receding gums is the condition where gum tissue begins to pull away from the tooth, leading to the exposure of the roots. Following the root exposure, the teeth have no protection from cold and hot drinks.

The recession makes it easy for bacteria to get into the crevices, causing decay. Healthy gums help hold the teeth in place. Receding gums cause the hold to weaken, leading to tooth loss. Once the gum recession begins, there is no way to regrow the gum tissue.

Treating Receding Gums

Receded gums do not grow back, but the condition is treatable. Treatment is dependent on each case. The dental professional will want to find out what caused the gum recession. The severity of the condition will also determine the best treatment option.

The different treatment options for receding gums include scaling and root planning that doctors perform in the early stages. Antibiotics will often get rid of any lurking bacteria. Surgical techniques can also treat gum recession.

Causes of Gum Recession

Several things can cause gum recession. Some causes include gum disease, brushing teeth aggressively, hormonal changes, grinding and clenching of teeth, tobacco use, and trauma. The condition arises when the gum tissue surrounding the teeth wears away or pulls back, leading to greater tooth exposure.

The recession causes gaps between the gumline and the teeth. The condition occurs gradually. In most cases, people do not realize they have receding gums until they experience sensitivity.

Preventing Gum Recession

The most ideal method to deal with receding gums is to prevent the condition in the first place. Proper oral hygiene can help prevent receding gums that are a result of gum disease. Receding gums should not be ignored. If you notice that your teeth look longer than normal, it could be due to gum recession.

Early treatment can help prevent further damage. If the condition is due to your genes, you need to schedule regular dental exams for your condition to be monitored. If you smoke, you need to quit the habit. Eating a balanced diet can also help prevent gum recession.

Regeneration for Receding Gums

In some cases, dental professionals may recommend regeneration to treat receding gums. If the recession has damaged the bone that supports the teeth, regeneration is necessary. This helps deal with the lost bone and the tissue.

The regenerative material allows the body to grow naturally in that area. Soft tissue graft can also help treat the condition. Gum recession is a condition that affects many people.

To find out if you can fix your receding gums, visit Dr. Sam’s Premier Dentistry at our office in Sherman, Texas. You can call 903-708-6400 today to schedule an appointment.