Gum recession is the visible withdrawal of the gum, revealing more of your tooth. It often begins gradually and can be difficult for you to notice. However, if left untreated, receding gums can expose even more of your tooth down to the root. Let’s look at treatments for receding gums.

Treatments for Receding Gums

If you notice that your gums appear to be receding, then you should schedule an appointment with your periodontist in Los Angeles immediately. When they’re healthy your gums protect and support your teeth. Receding gums make your teeth more vulnerable to decay, infection, and loss, so receiving treatment is essential. 

Treatments that Work

Your periodontist will base their treatment on your current condition. 

Mild Gum Recession: 

If your gums have only just started to withdraw, then a deep cleaning may be all that you need to stop the progression of your condition. This deep cleaning is a little different from your typical dental hygiene appointment. In addition to going through all the usual steps, your dentist will also do something called root planing. 

Root planing describes your dentist cleaning your tooth down to the root, often behind the gumline. This helps to remove the built-up plaque and bacteria causing your gums to recede. As an additional fail-safe, you may also be prescribed an antibiotic to keep those same bacteria at bay.

Moderate to Severe Gum Recession: 

If your gums are more noticeably withdrawn or exposing the root, you will likely require a surgical treatment. Depending on your case, your periodontist may decide to perform open flap scaling where they cut open the gum, clean, and resecure the gum to eliminate the pocket created by the infection. 

In more extreme cases, they may also need to do a gum graft using soft tissue from the roof of your mouth. In either case, your pinhole surgical technique specialist can work to reduce the need for cutting into your existing gum if you would prefer a less invasive option. 

Although these treatments will help to repair your gum line and protect your teeth, it is better to avoid receding gums entirely. Knowing your risk factors can help you to prepare a more diligent oral hygiene routine if necessary. 

Factors that Increase the Risk of Receding Gums

Anyone can develop receding gums, but some genetic and behavioral factors may increase your risk. Overall, the groups more likely to be at risk are:

• Women, thanks to all those lovely hormonal changes
• Smokers because of increased sticky plaque
• People who grind or clench their teeth
• Individuals with misaligned teeth
• Those with oral piercings that may rub along the gumline

If any of these apply to you, it is important to follow a meticulous oral hygiene routine with a gentle toothbrush. You may also wish to discuss preventative measures with your dentist. 

Common Preventative Measures

Your dentist will likely have specific advice tailored to your risk factors and current oral health. In the meantime there are a few things you can make sure you’re doing to prevent gum recession. 

1. Brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes each time.
2. Always use a soft-bristled toothbrush with the American Dental Association’s seal of approval.
3. Use a 45-degree angle facing towards the gum line to gently brush bacteria away from the edge of your gums.
4. Be gentle, especially when you bring the toothbrush up to your gums. 
5. Floss once per day. Water flossing is an option, but conventional floss is better.
6. Use mouthwash once per day to help eliminate bacteria that may be hiding. 
7. Visit your dentist once every six months for a professional cleaning and check-up. 

If you have any questions regarding proper oral hygiene or how you can protect your gums, feel free to ask your local periodontist in Los Angeles.