When the tissue that usually covers the roots of the teeth starts to pull back, it’s a condition known as gum recession. Notches or bumps at the gum line or additional sensitivity are both signs that your gums are receding. Dr. John Paul Gallardo sees many patients in Miami for this condition.
When your gums recede, they create openings or pockets where bacteria can thrive. Over time, these bacterial infections can cause considerable damage to your teeth and gums.
Bacteria buildup can harm your oral health, and increase the risk of tooth loss, severe gum disease, and tooth decay. Receding gums also affect the appearance of your teeth.
The sooner gum recession is caught and treated, the easier it is to treat and reverse. Advanced treatments are also available. With that in mind, let’s take a look at why receding gums is a major dental issue, the steps to prevent it, and gum disease treatment Miami treatment options.
Key Steps to Address Gum Recession
While gum recession can’t be completely reversed, there are effective steps you can take to manage and mitigate its effects. Here’s what you can do:
- Consult with a Periodontist: Early intervention is key. If you notice signs of gum recession, schedule an appointment with a periodontist. They can assess the severity and recommend the best course of action.
- Adopt Gentle Brushing Techniques: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gently brush your teeth. Aggressive brushing can exacerbate gum recession. Consider using an electric toothbrush with a pressure sensor to ensure you’re not brushing too hard.
- Regular Professional Cleanings: Schedule regular dental cleanings to remove plaque and tartar buildup, which can contribute to gum recession. Your dentist can also monitor your gum health over time.
- Consider Gum Graft Surgery: For more advanced cases, gum graft surgery can be an effective treatment. This involves transplanting tissue to cover exposed roots, reducing sensitivity and improving the appearance of your gums.
- Explore Pinhole Surgical Technique: A minimally invasive option, this technique involves making a small hole in the gum and using special instruments to stretch the gum over the exposed tooth roots. It’s less painful and has a quicker recovery time compared to traditional grafting.
- Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Brush twice a day, floss daily, and use an antimicrobial mouthwash to keep your gums healthy. Good oral hygiene is crucial in preventing further recession.
- Lifestyle Changes: If you smoke, seek help to quit. Smoking is a significant risk factor for gum disease and recession. Also, manage stress to avoid teeth grinding, which can contribute to gum issues.
What Are The Causes of the Gum Recession?
Receding gums are often associated with gum disease. Periodontal disease is not the only major cause of the gingival recession, however. A mix of the following lifestyle habits and genetics can also influence whether your gums recede or not.
#1 Brushing Too Hard
Dentists suggest brushing your teeth at least twice a day to remove food debris, plaque, and bacteria. Some people take this advice to the extreme and go to town on their teeth and gums.
It is best to brush gently. Brushing with excessive force or using a medium or hard-bristled toothbrush can lead to gum recession as they may wear down the gums, causing them to detach from the teeth. It also leads to enamel erosion.
If you’re brushing too hard, talk to your dentist. They might recommend switching brushes to a soft-bristled toothbrush and can show you the correct amount of pressure.
You can also invest in an electric toothbrush with a pressure sensor. If you’re using too much force, the brush will alert you until you loosen up.
#2 Poor Oral Care
Not keeping up with a good dental health routine can also lead to gum recession. When you don’t floss daily or skip brushing, it can lead to plaque and bacteria buildup.
Your gums might recede because you have gum disease. The bacteria responsible for gum disease can lead to the separation of gum tissue from teeth, resulting in eventual tooth loss.
The plaque between teeth and below the gum line hardens into tartar, pushing your gums away from the teeth. While you can take care of plaque at home, only your dentist can remove tartar buildup from your teeth.
#3 Your Genes And Hormones
Some people are more likely to have receding gums than others due to their family history. Your genetic predisposition may lead you to gum disease, which can increase your risk of developing gingival recession. If your mom or dad had a gingival recession, it’s likely you will, too.
The same is true of your hormones. Changing hormone levels due to birth control, pregnancy, and menopause can increase your risk for gum disease. It might also lead to gum recession.
#4 Bruxism And Misalignment
Just as brushing too hard can contribute to receding gums, so can grinding your teeth. Bruxism, or tooth grinding, is a fairly common condition that can affect your oral health. It not only makes gum recession more likely but can also wear down the teeth and cause enamel erosion.
In some cases, misaligned and crooked teeth can irritate the gums enough to cause a recession. If you are concerned about the alignment of your teeth, braces or another method, such as Miami Invisalign, of straightening the teeth and adjusting the bite might help you.
Invisalign North Miami Beach is a revolutionary orthodontic treatment that uses invisible aligners to straighten teeth. The results are amazing. Patients feel no pain during treatment, and there are virtually no side effects.
#5 Poor-Fitting Dentures
Dentures are often the least expensive option for replacing a missing tooth or teeth. But they also have drawbacks.
If they don’t fit right, you can be left with receding gums. Loose dentures can irritate the soft tissue of the gum, ultimately causing it to pull back from the teeth.
#6 Lifestyle
Some lifestyle choices, such as smoking, will make your gums more likely to recede. An injury to the mouth, birth control pills, or loose-fitting dentures can put you at greater risk of developing receding gums.
What is the Issue with Receding Gums?
Looks aside, receding gums pose various problems. Receding gums can lead to bad breath and tooth sensitivity. When the gum tissue pulls back from the tooth, bacteria can build up in the exposed area, leading to unpleasant odors. Additionally, receding gums can cause root exposure, leaving the teeth sensitive to hot and cold temperatures as well as sweet and acidic foods.
If you don’t have a tough coating of enamel on your tooth roots, it means they are sensitive to temperature changes or hot and cold foods. They are also more prone to decay without the gums to protect them.
Receding gums can also worsen existing periodontal disease. Steady bacterial spread can lead to more difficulty in treating gum disease or gingival recession.
Can Gum Recession Be Prevented?
Daily Oral Hygiene
Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is crucial. Brush your teeth twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush to prevent gum irritation. Use fluoride toothpaste to strengthen enamel and prevent decay. Floss daily to remove plaque and food particles between teeth that brushing misses.
Regular Dental Checkups
Schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings at least twice a year. Professional cleanings remove tartar buildup that can contribute to gum recession. Your dentist can also monitor your gum health and catch issues early.
Healthy Diet
Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals to support gum health. Foods high in vitamin C, like oranges and strawberries, promote gum healing and reduce inflammation. Avoid excessive consumption of sugary foods and drinks that can lead to plaque buildup.
Avoid Tobacco Products
Smoking and using other tobacco products can significantly increase the risk of gum disease and recession. Quitting tobacco helps improve your overall oral health and reduces the progression of gum recession.
Stress Management
Manage stress through regular exercise, meditation, or hobbies. High stress levels can weaken your immune system, making it harder for your body to fight off infections, including those affecting your gums.
In-Depth Treatment Options for Gum Recession
Understanding the various treatments for gum recession is crucial for making informed decisions. Here’s a closer look at some effective options:
- Tooth Scaling and Root Planing: This non-surgical procedure involves deep cleaning of the affected area. Dental professionals remove plaque and tartar from the tooth surface and below the gum line. The roots are then smoothed to prevent further bacterial accumulation, helping to halt the progression of gum recession.
- Gum Graft Surgery: For more severe cases, gum graft surgery is a viable option. This involves transplanting gum tissue from another part of the mouth to cover the exposed roots. This not only improves the aesthetic appearance but also reduces sensitivity and protects against further recession and bone loss.
- Pinhole Surgical Technique: A minimally invasive alternative, this technique involves making a small hole in the gum tissue. Through this pinhole, special instruments are used to gently loosen and reposition the gum over the exposed tooth roots. The procedure is quick, with minimal discomfort and recovery time.
- Regenerative Procedures: In cases where bone loss has occurred, regenerative procedures can be employed. These involve folding back the gum tissue and removing the disease-causing bacteria. Then, natural or synthetic bone grafts are placed to promote regeneration of bone and gum tissue, restoring stability to the teeth.
- Lifestyle and Home Care Adjustments: Alongside these treatments, changes in oral hygiene practices and lifestyle can significantly impact the management of gum recession. Gentle brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush, regular flossing, and quitting smoking are essential steps in preventing further gum damage.
Expert Insights from Dr. John Paul Gallardo
Dr. John Paul Gallardo is a renowned periodontist with extensive expertise in treating gum recession. With over two decades of experience, Dr. Gallardo has successfully helped numerous patients achieve optimal gum health through advanced periodontal treatments and preventive care.
Patient-Centered Approach
Dr. Gallardo emphasizes a patient-centered approach, focusing on personalized treatment plans tailored to each individual’s needs. He combines state-of-the-art technology with compassionate care to ensure the best outcomes for his patients.
Advanced Techniques
Utilizing the latest advancements in periodontal therapy, Dr. Gallardo offers a range of treatments, from non-surgical methods like deep cleaning to surgical interventions such as gum grafting. His commitment to ongoing education ensures he remains at the forefront of periodontal care.
Why Choose Dr. Gallardo
- Dr. Gallardo has 30 years of experience offering dental implants and specialized periodontics to patients throughout South Florida.
- Dr. Gallardo is a graduate from the University of Miami and received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from New York University College of Dentistry.
- Accepted into the V.A. Medical Center General Practice Residency Program of the U.S Department of Veterans Affairs where he was honored with the “Outstanding Resident of the Year” Award.
- He has lectured nationally and internationally to dentists and hygienists and has been sponsored by companies such as Procter and Gamble to speak on clinical topics related to gum disease and implant dentistry.
- Dr. Gallardo remains a leader in periodontics and implant dentistry through his active and past involvement with University of Florida, Florida Association of Periodontists and North American Society of Periodontists.
Call Our Office Today
Treatment is available to help you reverse gum recession and keep a healthy mouth. In Miami periodontist, Dr. John Paul Gallardo offers patients a variety of treatment options for receding gums. To learn more about reversing your gingival recession with various treatment options, call 305-447-1447 today.