Gum Recession and the Advantages of Gum Grafting

July 29, 2019 | Gum Grafting | The Office of Palisades Dentists

A beautiful smile with healthy gums is something to be proud of. But what about when your teeth and oral hygiene are suffering? Cavities, decay, and gum recession can all lead to serious health risks and potential future problems.

Some side effects of receding gums are exposed roots, swollen or discolored gums, sensitivity or bleeding, and longer or looser teeth.

What Causes Gum Recession?

Periodontal disease is the most common factor in gum recession, which causes the surrounding bone and tissue around a tooth to pull away. Bacteria can destroy teeth, gums, and bones.

Genetics and hormone levels can contribute to oral health concerns, which can be addressed during your visit.

How Is Gum Recession Treated?

There are a few different approaches to receding gums, but it sometimes requires oral surgery. Gum graft surgery removes healthy tissue from the roof of the mouth and relocates it to the receding gum area to address exposed roots and improve tooth health.

Grafting can reduce further gum recession and bone loss, eliminate tooth sensitivity, and enhance your smile.

Laser treatments are often used to prevent and treat issues in the gums and remove bacteria and plaque buildup for a clean and healthy mouth. Our team of doctors are experienced in dentistry and utilize advanced technology to treat many different oral concerns.

How Can I Prevent Gum Recession?

Taking excellent care of your teeth and scheduling dentist appointments regularly can significantly reduce your risk of developing gum disease. Early detection is key to protecting your mouth from bacteria and detrimental elements to help prevent gum loss and other problems.

Here are some tips for gum disease prevention:

• Brush and floss twice a day.
• Buy a soft toothbrush, and be sure you are brushing gently. Aggressive brushing does not clean the teeth better, and it can harm your enamel.
• Avoid tobacco products which can negatively impact your teeth and leave a damaging residue that is difficult to remove.
• Tooth grinding and jaw clenching can damage your teeth and gums, so you may want to consider wearing a mouth guard or other device that can protect your mouth. Maintaining your stress levels and introducing relaxation techniques can also help reduce your tooth grinding.
• Your bite may be misaligned, which can cause stress on your gums. Braces or aligners can help restore healthier gums by straightening your teeth and bite.
• Mouth piercings can contribute to inflammation and gum concerns, so you may want to reconsider wearing jewelry around your mouth.

To learn more about gum grafting and gum recession prevention, please contact our team by calling (310) 459-2303.