Dr. Jeffrey H. Lowe and our associates offer treatments for gum recession in Hays, Kansas. Gum recession can occur for a variety of reasons and is detrimental to your oral health. If you notice that your gum tissue is deteriorating, we invite you to call Lifetime Dental Care at 785-625-7969 to learn more about gum recession and to make your appointment with our dentists.
What is Gum Recession and How is it Caused?
Gum recession can make your teeth more sensitive to hot and cold substances and affect the quality of your smile. It is often an indication of a more serious dental problem, such as gum disease or mechanical or function problems. Once your gums recede, they cannot grow back, and you risk losing your teeth, making the prevention of gum disease extremely important.
Potential causes of gum disease include:
- Periodontal (gum) disease
- Poor oral hygiene
- Overly aggressive brushing
- Bruxism (grinding and clenching of teeth)
- Crooked teeth and misaligned bites
- Tobacco use
- Hormonal changes
- Genetics
- Lip or tongue piercings
How Do I Prevent Gum Recession?
You can prevent gum recession by practicing good oral hygiene. This includes flossing daily and brushing at least three times a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush. When brushing, be sure to do so gently —aggressive brushing can contribute to gum recession. Other preventive measures include:
- Visiting your dentist regularly
- Maintaining a healthy, well-balanced diet
- Using a soft-bristled or electric toothbrush
- Using the proper tooth brushing technique
- Correcting misaligned bites and bruxism issues
- Wearing a night guard
- Monitoring the changes that occur in your mouth
- Quitting tobacco use and smoking
What Treatments Are Available for Gum Recession?
There are several treatments to help stop gum recession and restore your oral health. Many of these treatments are related to periodontal disease. Our dentists may recommend antibiotics in conjunction with your gum treatment to help reduce harmful bacteria. At our practice, we offer the following treatments to help treat your gum recession:
- Bone grafting – we will apply bone tissue to encourage the regeneration of your bone density to support your gums and provide your teeth with a more stable foundation.
- Pinhole Surgical Technique™ – a minimally invasive treatment to move the gums back upwards and re-position them over the exposed tooth roots.
For more information on gum recession, and make your appointment with our experienced dentists, please contact our office today.