Is your smile looking “toothy”? A guide to gum recession – What it is, why it happens, and what to do about it

As gum recession worsens, your teeth can look longer than normal because the tissue covering them pulls away and exposes more of the white crown. Moreover, receding gums leave the root of the tooth unprotected. Root surfaces don’t have a hard, protective enamel covering (like crowns do). For this reason, people with receding gums may experience tooth sensitivity, especially when they drink or eat sweet, cold, or hot beverages and foods.

Gum disease is a leading cause. So, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene at home and professional visits for services like cleanings. Destructive habits such as aggressive brushing and chronic untreated bruxism (teeth grinding) can also erode these essential supportive tissues.

There are numerous complications associated with gum recession. Do not ignore the signs. For instance, exposed tooth roots are decay-prone, threatening the affected teeth’ overall integrity. As decay progresses, increasingly extensive treatments are required to restore the tooth, and not all teeth can be “saved” with root canal therapy and crowns. Also, many of the causes of receding gums are destructive. Due to gum disease, the pockets that form between the teeth and gums provide the perfect breeding ground for harmful bacteria. The disease can progress and threaten the health of the supportive soft and hard tissues in the jaw. The first step is to contact us so Dr. Yang can evaluate your gums and recommend appropriate treatments based on his findings.

As appropriate, dental bonding may be recommended to prevent complications of root exposure. A dental composite material is applied or bonded to the affected teeth. In turn, the roots are covered up and protected with the dental composite. Your teeth are no longer vulnerable to further damage as long as you maintain good home and professional care. Active gum disease must also be treated effectively to prevent the loss of the teeth and supportive tissues. Depending on your needs, Dr. Yang may recommend antibiotic therapy, a “deep cleaning” known as scaling and root planing, and periodontal therapies to remove damaged tissue and heal and regenerate the gumline. Advanced Dental uses state-of-the-art laser systems to non-invasively and painlessly fight harmful bacteria while precisely rebuilding lost tissue.

If you are concerned about any changes in the appearance of your smile or in how your teeth and gums feel, schedule an appointment today. Our team in Aliso Viejo, CA, can be reached at (949) 289-9993.