Harris Dental Boutique

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Gum Recession

What is Gum Recession?

Gum Recession occurs slowly. If you notice your teeth starting to look longer, or you often experience tooth sensitivity to hot or cold food and drinks, your gums may be receding.

What Causes Gum Recession?

Gum Disease is a common cause of Gum Recession. You can read more about Gum Disease, the causes and the prevention here: Gum Disease.

Other reasons you may have Gum Recession include an aggressive oral hygiene technique, grinding or clenching your teeth or the unusual forces caused by misaligned teeth. Tongue and lip piercings may also irritate your gums, causing Gum Recession.

How Can You Treat Receding Gums?

A professional clean to remove the build-up of heavy calculus is the first step to stopping Gum Recession.  If you suffer from Gum Disease, you may require a deeper clean, scaling and root planning; this procedure removes plaque and calculus build-up from the root surfaces of your teeth. Healthy, clean teeth help your gums heal and prevent any further recession.  If your gums have recessed more extensively, your Dentist may recommend a Gum Graft.

What Is a Gum Graft?

Gum Grafting is used to treat one or more areas of Gum Recession. A piece of gum tissue is used to cover the area of exposed tooth. Gum Grafting repairs the receded area and may prevent additional recession. Gum Grafting may also reduce tooth sensitivity and protect the roots of your teeth from dental decay. Gum grafts often result in a more even gum line.

Gum Recession Prevention

Preventing gum recession is much easier and less expensive than gum graft treatment. Regular brushing with a very soft brush and flossing to reduce dental plaque helps reduce the risk of Gum Disease, and is therefore key to preventing Gum Recession. Regular professional cleaning appointments are recommended to help reduce the build-up of calculus.

Your Dentist may be the first to notice an area of Gum Recession during your dental examination. Keeping watch for the early signs of Gum Disease – such as red, swollen gums that bleed easily, or persistent Bad Breath – will help you catch Gum Recession before it is a huge problem.