105 N. Alma Dr., Suite 100, Allen, TX 75013
972-727-5599
Have you ever noticed your teeth appearing longer or feeling more sensitive? You’re not alone. This could be an early sign of gum recession, which is a common dental issue affecting many people, often without them even realizing it. By understanding the causes and available treatments, you can take steps to protect your smile and maintain healthy gums.
Gum recession may not always be obvious initially, but its effects on oral health can be significant. Understanding this condition and the treatments available is key to preserving your smile, whether it’s caused by aggressive brushing, gum disease, or other factors. Thankfully, there are effective solutions to restore your oral health. With over 20 years of experience in comprehensive dentistry, Dr. Peter Hazim and his team have helped patients from all walks of life regain their oral health. Please contact us to learn more and schedule a smile-saving appointment with us.
What Are Some of Common Causes of Gum Recession?
A receding gum line may happen due to multiple factors, making it more difficult to isolate key factors and identify what habits you may need to change. Luckily, our talented team will work with you to understand what may be causing a receding gum line, associated teeth sensitivities, and the appearance of longer teeth.
The following are some of the most common causes of gum recession:
- Built-up tartar or dental plaque
- Periodontal disease
- Trauma or other injuries to your gums or gum tissue
- Misaligned or abnormally positioned teeth
- Smoking or other use of tobacco
- Brushing too hard
- Piercings, especially in the lip and tongue
According to the Cleveland Clinic, there’s also a possibility that your habits or lifestyle may contribute to a receding gum line. For example, some individuals have a genetic predisposition to thinner gum tissue, creating a receded appearance.
No matter the underlying cause of a receded gum line, we encourage you to come into our office as soon as possible. The sooner you seek care, the more likely you’ll be able to mitigate further damage and additional pain or discomfort.
How Can You Treat a Receding Gum Line?
Treating a receded gum line can be difficult, especially if there is significant damage. Most patients will likely need to undergo gum recession surgery to completely correct the problem. Surgical treatments generally require gum grafting, meaning your dental provider must replace the missing gum tissue. Often, this gum graft is taken from the roof of the patient’s mouth, though some treatments may use donated and sterilized tissue from a human donor. This is generally the longest-lasting and most durable treatment for receding gum lines.
However, milder cases can be treated nonsurgically, such as with topical antibiotics or dental bonding. Some patients may also be able to treat a receded gum line with orthodontic treatment. The sooner you seek appropriate treatment, the more likely you’ll be able to avoid surgical treatments. Therefore, we encourage you to contact our team to learn more about your options.
How to Get Your Gum Recession Diagnosed
Your dental provider will likely be able to assess and diagnose your gum recession during a routine exam. We can use a periodontal probe to measure gum recession on each tooth. This specialized tool will also allow your dentist to identify any areas in your oral cavity affected by bone loss, as is relatively common in areas affected by gum recession.
After a diagnosis, you and your dental provider should discuss the next steps so you can pursue treatment. You should seek treatment from a qualified provider, such as a periodontist. We strongly encourage you to get any necessary treatments as soon as possible to avoid unnecessary pain or surgery, as the need for extensive gum grafting may be mitigated if you act quickly.
Treat Your Receding Gum Line and Identify the Cause: Get Outstanding Dental Support With Dr. Peter Hazim!
Addressing gum recession is essential for maintaining your oral health and confidence. With over two decades of experience in comprehensive dentistry, Dr. Peter Hazim and his team take pride in providing tailored care to meet each patient’s unique needs. Whether you’re noticing early signs of gum recession or require advanced treatments, we are here to help you explore solutions to restore your smile.
Recognized as Allen’s Best Dentist for six years, Dr. Peter Hazim is dedicated to delivering compassionate, quality care. Don’t wait to take the next step toward better oral health. Contact our office today at (972) 727-5599 or use our contact form to schedule your appointment. Let’s work together to protect your smile for years to come.