Gum Recession Treatment
In Westwood, NJ
Gum Recession Treatment For Westwood, NJ Residents
Gum recession is a process where you lose gum tissue over time. If left untreated, you can end up with exposed tooth roots, which can cause you extreme discomfort. Although gum recession is more common in adults ages 40 and over, it can begin as early as the teenage years.
You most likely won’t notice gum recession when it’s in the earliest stages. That’s why you should see your dentist regularly to check the health of your entire mouth. Here are some signs and symptoms that you might be experiencing gum recession.
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Tooth sensitivity: when gum recession exposes the protective tissue for your teeth’s roots, you will start to experience some discomfort and sensitivity.
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Visible roots: at the later stages of gum recession, you might be able to see the roots of your teeth.
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Toothy smile: if your teeth start to look longer, you might have gum recession. Teeth don’t continue to grow and get longer once they’re firmly in place. What’s actually happening is you’re losing gum tissue, which is leading to more tooth exposure.
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Inflamed or bleeding gums: people who have inflamed or bleeding gums should see their dentist immediately. This is an early symptom of gum disease and is a result of a bacterial infection. With time, the infection will cause the gums to recede and perhaps even attack your jawbone.
Gum Recession Causes
Gum recession is far more common than you might expect in Westwood NJ. Your dentist will examine the area carefully to diagnose the underlying cause to prepare an effective treatment process. Once your dentist has determined what’s causing the recession, they’ll discuss treatment options with you. The treatment plan will be designed to stop the progress of the gum disease and prevent future infections.
Some causes of gum recession include:
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Aggressive brushing: brushing your teeth too aggressively can do as much harm as not brushing enough. Always use a soft-bristled toothbrush as hard bristles can break down the enamel on your teeth and harm the gum tissue.
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Improper oral hygiene: you should listen to all recommendations your dentist makes for at-home dental care. Regular and effective flossing and brushing protect the health of your entire mouth and prevent plaque and bacteria build-up.
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Chewing tobacco: tobacco use in general has extremely negative effects on your oral health. Using chewing tobacco will aggravate your gums and can cause gum recession over time.
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Periodontal disease: periodontal disease can come from bad oral hygiene or health risk factors, such as diabetes. Diabetics experience extra sugars in their mouth along with more narrow blood vessels. These two things in combination create the perfect environment for bacteria growth. Bacteria in your gums that are left untreated can deteriorate the gum tissue, lead to bone loss and perhaps even tooth loss.
How to Treat Gum Recession
The cause and severity of your gum recession will dictate treatment options. Your dentist will first be concerned with eliminating the cause of the recession.
For example, if your gum recession stems from overaggressive brushing, your dentist will first recommend a toothbrush with softer bristles and instruct you on how to brush effectively. When poor hygiene is the problem, your dentist will carefully clean your teeth and gums to remove bacteria. If the infection is severe, you might need to undergo scaling and root planing to clean out all infection.
Once your dentist has resolved the cause of your gum recession, they might recommend gum grafting or regeneration to help your gums return to their original strength and health. If your gum recession is caught early enough, you can prevent needing gum grafting treatments.
While you might see some extra tissue in the first few weeks after the procedure, your gums should normalize in appearance and feel healthy after about six weeks.
Contact our office with questions about Gum Recession Treatment in Westwood, NJ. Schedule regular dental cleanings to check your overall oral health.
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