What to Do About a Receding Gum Line
Receding gums can cause sensitivity and lead to tooth loss. Fortunately, periodontal dental services can help treat the issue and regenerate missing gum tissue.
We’ve listed out some common questions about receding gum lines and options for treatment below.
If you’re concerned about your gum line receding, you can also contact our Ann Arbor dentists for a no-pressure consultation.
What is a receding gum line?
A receding gum line occurs when “the margin of the gum tissue that surrounds the teeth wears away, or pulls back, exposing more of the tooth, or the tooth’s root.” This can cause sensitivity and make you more likely to develop gum disease and/or lose a tooth as the gum line continues to recede. (source)
What causes receding gums? Why is my gum line receding?
Receding gums can be caused by a number of factors, including genetics, poor oral hygiene, brushing too hard, and gum disease.
Gum disease is one of the most common causes of receding gums. With gum disease, “the inner layer of the gum and bone pull away from the teeth and form pockets,” which “collect debris and can become infected.” This can destroy the gum and bone over time and cause tooth loss.
Age can also be a factor in gum loss. Older people experience higher rates of gum disease and other oral health problems that can cause your gum line to recede.
What does a receding gum line look like?
A receding gum line moves upward, exposing more of the tooth and/or the tooth’s root. You may notice that your tooth looks longer than normal because more of it is visible with the higher gum line.
Can receding gums grow back?
Receding gums cannot grow back, but periodontal dental services can help regenerate gum tissue and treat any underlying issues, like gum disease.
How to help a receding gum line: can you stop receding gums from getting worse?
Patients can help stop receding gum lines from getting worse by maintaining good gum health. This includes brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and seeing your dentist for preventative dental cleanings. A healthy diet and avoiding tobacco products will also help gums stay healthy.
When to seek treatment for receding gums
Receding gums can cause sensitivity and may lead to tooth loss. If you notice gum recession, contact your dentist immediately. They can treat the problem to help prevent further damage.
Receding gums treatment: how to fix a receding gum line
Treatment for gum recession depends on how severe it is. For milder cases, a non-surgical process called scaling and root planing helps gum tissue heal by removing “the plaque and tartar deposits on both the tooth and root surfaces.” Patients can then maintain gum health with good oral hygiene habits like twice-daily brushing and preventative dental cleanings.
In more severe cases with progressively unstable gum recession, gum grafting may be used to strengthen the gum tissue. These gum-grafting techniques can replace and/or enhance the tissue around the teeth to improve stability, shape, and aesthetics.
At DGY Dentistry, we use new microsurgical techniques that are gentle on the patient. These procedures stabilize the gum recession, reduce root sensitivity, and improve the overall appearance. Our dentists take pride in combining our expertise with creative vision to provide unparalleled quality and a world-class patient experience.
Periodontal Care Near You
DGY Dentistry is conveniently located at 3100 E. Eisenhower Parkway with easy access to surrounding Washtenaw County and the larger Southeast Michigan area. Contact us today to learn more about periodontal care near you.
