Receding Gums

Causes of Gum Recession

There are several things that can cause or contribute to gum recession, including brushing one’s teeth too aggressively or using a brush that’s too hard. Irritation can lead to the gums becoming inflamed and pulling back from the teeth.

Gums can also recede due to gum disease, which is the most common cause of gum recession among dental patients. It can occur at any age, so if you notice that your gums are red, irritated, and receding, it’s important to seek dental care.

In some cases, gum recession can be a genetic issue, so if either of your parents or another close family member has had gum recession issues, you might be at risk as well.

Finally, if your teeth are crooked or you have a misaligned bite pattern, the added strain on your mouth can cause gums to recede.

Single-Sided Gum Recession

If you’re experiencing gum recession on only one side of your mouth, it might be due to plaque buildup in the area. While plaque tends to spread to the entire mouth, you may have gum recession on one side because it isn’t being cleaned as well as the other. Additionally, if you only have crooked teeth on one side of your mouth, this issue might contribute to gum recession on that side alone.

Single-Tooth Gum Recession

While any of the above-listed factors could be the cause of gum recession over a single tooth, this issue is most likely caused by some form of dental trauma. Your gum may have been cut or received an injury that healed improperly. For example, if you have piercing jewelry through the lips, cheeks, or tongue, the jewelry may have pressed or struck your gum tissue in a specific area.

The Impact of Gum Recession

If you notice gum recession in any part of your mouth, Scottsdale Family Smiles encourages you to call our office to schedule an appointment. The sooner this sort of issue is addressed and treated, the better the outcome may be.

Left alone, gum recession can continue, which may expose your teeth, their roots, and eventually your jawbone to further damage. Gum disease can be devastating, as it may lead to tooth loss and significant infections.

The prevention of further gum recession and the treatment of the current recession is the best possible way to protect your smile.

Gum Recession Prevention

The best way to prevent gum recession is to visit a dentist on a regular basis (every six months) and practice effective oral hygiene at home. Regular cleanings can remove plaque and tartar that have built up over time, which will help ensure the health of your gums. Additionally, brushing with soft bristles and keeping your teeth flossed will help protect your gums from becoming irritated.

Gum Recession Treatment

To treat gum recession, our dental team will perform a deep cleaning procedure to remove the plaque and tartar from the areas between your teeth and gums. Once your gums are thoroughly cleaned, they can begin to heal properly. In some cases, we can also encourage gum regeneration with the use of laser procedures.

Lastly, if the recession is significant, we can provide gum grafts to restore the tissues around your teeth.

Neglecting Gum Recession

Ignoring your gum recession could lead to tooth loss and the exacerbation of gum disease. The gums will continue to be irritated and inflamed, they may recede farther back, and the bacteria that your teeth become exposed to will likely lead to tooth and jawbone loss, as well as serious infections.

How To Relieve Oral Pain

Applying a cold compresses to the area where oral pain is originating is a good first step. In addition to that, Dr. Fattah can help pinpoint the exact cause of oral pain, treat it, and prescribe medication to help ease the symptoms. Medication can continue after treatment and at home, and utilizing ice packs can aid in preventing swelling.