Have you ever looked in the mirror and thought your teeth looked a little longer than they used to? Or have you felt a new notch or sensitive spot right at your gumline? You might be experiencing something called gum recession. It’s a common dental issue where the gum tissue that snugly hugs your teeth gradually wears away or pulls back. Think of it like the shoreline of a beach slowly receding and exposing more of the land underneath.
When this happens, it exposes the sensitive root of your tooth, which isn’t protected by hard enamel like the top part. This can cause sensitivity to hot and cold, and make the area more prone to decay. Over a long time, it can even threaten the stability of the tooth itself.
But there’s good news. Understanding gum recession is the first step to fixing it, and effective treatments are available. Let’s walk through the causes and how we can help you in our Plano, TX dental office.
Why Do Gums Recede? Understanding the Common Causes
Gums don’t just pull back on their own. Usually, it’s a response to other factors. Knowing the cause helps us create the right plan to stop it and protect your smile.
- Gum disease: This is often the main culprit. Gum disease, also called periodontitis, is a bacterial infection. When plaque isn’t cleaned away, it hardens into tartar. The bacteria in this buildup produce toxins that irritate and inflame your gums, slowly destroying the tissue and the bone that holds your teeth in place, causing the gums to recede.
- Overly Aggressive Brushing: It might sound surprising, but you can actually brush your gums away. If you scrub your teeth with a hard-bristled brush or use too much force, it can wear down both your tooth enamel and the delicate gum tissue over time. Gentle, thorough cleaning with a soft brush is much more effective and safer.
- Tobacco Use: Smoking or using chewing tobacco is very hard on your gums. The chemicals reduce blood flow to the gum tissue, weakening its health and making it much harder for your body to fight off a gum infection. Gum infections accelerate receding gums.
- Genetics: Just like some people are born with thinner hair, some people are born with thinner or more fragile gum tissue. If this is the case, you might be more susceptible to recession, even with good oral care, so regular check-ups are especially important.
How We Treat Gum Recession in Plano, TX
The goal of treatment is to stop the recession, protect your tooth roots, and, when possible, restore the gum tissue for a healthier, more confident smile. The first step is always a thorough, deep cleaning to remove all the bacterial plaque and tartar, especially from below the gumline. This creates a clean foundation for healing.
For more advanced recession, we have gentle and effective solutions, including gum grafting and laser treatments.
Gum Grafting is a common and highly successful procedure. Think of it as a “skin graft” for your gums. We take a tiny piece of healthy tissue from the roof of your mouth and gently attach it to the area where the gum has receded. This covers the exposed root, reduces sensitivity, protects the tooth from decay, and often improves the appearance of your smile.
Laser dentistry and modern regeneration is advanced technology that makes treatment more comfortable and promote natural healing:
- Dental Lasers: In some cases, we can use a precise dental laser instead of a scalpel. This often means less discomfort, minimal bleeding, and faster healing. Sometimes you won’t even need stitches.
- Emdogain™ Gel: This is a remarkable, patient-friendly option. After a deep cleaning, we apply this special gel to the exposed root surface. It’s a bioactive material that gently stimulates your body’s own cells to regenerate the lost bone and gum tissue that supports your tooth. It encourages your gums to naturally re-attach and rebuild.
You Don’t Have to Live with Receding Gums
If you’re noticing signs of gum recession, the most important thing you can do is come see us. Early intervention can often prevent more complex procedures later.
At our Plano, TX dental practice, Dr. Sara Chen and our compassionate team are experts in diagnosing and treating gum recession. We will listen to your concerns, carefully evaluate your oral health, and explain all your options in a way that’s easy to understand. Our focus is on providing high-quality, personalized care to stop the problem and restore your comfort and health.
Ready to take the next step for your gum health? Call our office at (972) 382-6855 to discuss your concerns or request a dental consultation online.
Please let us know about any sensitivity or changes you’ve noticed. We’re here to answer all your questions and help you achieve a healthier smile.