How to Treat Receding Gums

Gum recession is a common concern among adults and, beyond being a cosmetic issue, can also indicate underlying oral health problems. But how to treat receding gums? In this article, we discuss therapeutic and cosmetic dental procedures that can help improve the appearance of receding gums.

The main cause of receding gums is periodontal disease (also called gum disease), a chronic infectious and inflammatory condition of the gum tissue. Thus, the first step to improving the appearance of receding gums is an accurate diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease, and the use of cosmetic procedures when the condition is sufficiently controlled. Let us look at the exact steps that are typically recommended for patients with receding gums.

Gum Health Improvement and Oral Hygiene

Since gum disease is primarily caused by bacteria that live in plaque and tartar, an improved daily oral hygiene routine is the first and most important step in treating this condition and receding gums.

To ensure your oral hygiene routine is effective, we recommend following these tips:

Brush your teeth for two full minutes twice a day: right after breakfast and before bed.
Brush your teeth on the back, front, along the chewing surface, and along the gumline. To clean the gumline, hold the brush at a 45-degree angle and avoid irritating the gums.
Choose a soft brush that will not irritate and harm your gums when you brush along the gumline (constant physical irritation of the gum tissue can trigger recession).
Floss thoroughly every evening, ensuring you remove all food debris and plaque between the teeth. It is best to floss before brushing. Also, avoid pushing the floss thread too far into the gums to avoid bleeding and irritation.
Add a water flosser as the first step of your evening routine. Then, follow up with traditional flossing and brushing. Water flossers have been proven effective at improving gum health.

Professional Cleanings, Scaling, and Root Planing

Active gum disease always requires frequent professional cleanings (often recommended every 3 to 4 months). In addition, a procedure called scaling and root planing may be recommended if tartar accumulates in periodontal pockets (spaces where the gum tissue connects to the teeth). During this procedure, your dentist removes tartar from underneath the gumline and smooths the surface of the tooth roots to prompt the gum to reattach.

Gum Graft Surgeries

Gum grafting is a surgical procedure that promotes gum healing and regeneration. During this procedure, healthy tissue (typically taken from the roof of the mouth) is transplanted to areas with minimal gum tissue or exposed tooth roots. This procedure helps protect exposed tooth roots and prevent further recession and jawbone damage.

Cosmetic Procedures

One of the most popular and effective cosmetic procedures for improving the appearance of receding gums is the Pinhole Surgical Technique. During this procedure, your dentist makes a tiny hole in the gum tissue (a pinhole) and uses it to reposition the gum tissue. However, this procedure is purely cosmetic and does not treat the main cause of gum recession, periodontal disease. Thus, it is typically recommended to halt the progression of gum disease and adequately control it before the Pinhole Surgical Technique is used.

Treat Gum Recession at LA Wilshire Perio

If you notice signs of gum recession, do not hesitate to make an appointment with an experienced periodontal dentist at LA Wilshire Perio. Remember that the earlier you start treatment, the better the chances of stopping or reversing gum disease and its effects. We are looking forward to your visit.

How to Treat Receding Gums