Treatment for Receding Gums

If you begin to notice an increased sensitivity to hot or cold foods or beverages, or spaces begin forming between your teeth and gum line, you may just be a victim of receding gums. According to the California Dental Association, this is a common condition among adults over 40. But its victims often are younger. But the condition can be prevented and treated.

Know the Causes

• In most cases, receding gums are the result, or symptom, of periodontal disease, typically caused by poor oral hygiene. As plaque builds up along the gum line, the toxins it contains irritate gum tissue. Over time, if this plaque is not removed daily through brushing and flossing, the gums begin to pull away from the teeth, causing pockets that leave additional space for plaque and bacteria to form.

  In some cases, receding gums may also be caused by crooked teeth, or trauma that has forced a tooth or teeth to become loose or knocked out completely.

Recognize the Symptoms

• The most obvious symptom is the spaces, or pockets, between your teeth. Your teeth may also appear longer because the gum has now pulled away from them. Other symptoms include bad breath, swollen or bleeding gums, loose teeth or teeth that have shifted and extreme sensitivity to certain foods due to the exposed roots.

Diagnosing the Problem

• Before treatment can take place, your dentist must diagnose the condition. He will generally begin by taking a medical history, including a list of medications you take daily, any conditions that may be contributing factors and a family history as well.

  X- rays will then be taken to show him if there are any pockets forming, if you have any bone loss and the severity of it and any cavities that may have formed along your roots. He will then use a probe, a special dental instrument developed by the American Dental Association, to perform a periodontal screening and recording. This involves measuring the depth of the space between your gums and teeth; the larger the number, the greater the severity of your gum recession.

Non-Surgical Treatment

• Desensitizing agents such as over-the-counter sensitivity toothpaste can be used to relieve the pain caused by the exposed roots. Your dentist may also apply desensitizing agents or gels to your exposed teeth or roots.

  Deep cleaning of the pockets is another solution. This is typically performed in four appointments; one for each quadrant of your mouth. During the procedure, the hygenist scrapes the tooth above and below the gum, removing built up plaque and bacteria. She then polishes the crowns of your teeth, protecting them against plaque buildup in the future. This works for those who suffer from receding gums due to a bacterial infection and should be completed every three months until plaque and bacteria buildup is under control (See Reference Link Two, page 6).

Surgical Treatment

• Root canals are one of the most common surgical options when an exposed root is causing sensitivity. The procedure involves removing the decayed root through either the crown of the tooth or the gum, and strengthening the tooth with a cap.

  Soft-tissue grafts replace dead or receded gum tissue. The new tissue is removed from either an adjacent tooth, the roof of your mouth or in some cases, donor tissue is used. It is then placed over the affected area and sewn into place.

Prevention

• Receding gums can be prevented. The first step is to brush at least twice daily; however after each meal and snack is ideal. Flossing before brushing also improves the health of your gums by removing food particles brushing alone cannot. Finally, visit your dentist twice a year for an in-depth cleaning and exam. This will help remove plaque from your teeth that you may not be able to reach or remove with brushing alone.