I Think My Gums Are Receding

Gum recession occurs when the gum tissues surrounding the teeth pull back, exposing some of the teeth. When this happens, pockets develop between the teeth and the gum line, making it easier for bacteria to accumulate. If gum recession is not treated in time, the teeth's supporting tissue and bone structure could get damaged and ultimately result in tooth loss.

Gum recession should never be overlooked. At Roshan Emam DDS in Palo Alto, CA, Dr. Emam will help provide solutions to correct your condition.

What Are the Reasons For Receding Gums?

Gums recede because of any one of several reasons, including:

• Periodontal Disease

Periodontal diseases are conditions that destroy the gum tissue and the bone that supports the teeth. It ultimately leads to a gum recession.

• Crooked Teeth or Poorly Aligned Bite

When your teeth don't rest together correctly, too much force is placed on the gums. This causes your gums to recede.

• Poor Oral Hygiene

Insufficient brushing, flossing, or rinsing can harden the plaque into tartar. Gum recession occurs when the tartar is not removed. Other reasons include aggressive brushing that could cause the enamel and gums to wear away. 

• Hormonal Changes

During puberty, pregnancy, or menopause, the hormonal changes can make the gums more sensitive, leading to gum disease or recession.

When Should You Get Gum Recession Treatment?

You should get gum recession treatment when you experience any of the following symptoms.

• Teeth that are sensitive to temperature
• Teeth that look longer than before
• Changes in the aesthetics of a smile
• Dark spots near the gums
• Yellowing or discoloration near the gums

How Can Gum Recession Be Treated?

• Laser Treatments and Periodontal Therapy 

Periodontal therapy can help eliminate the deep bacteria that cause gum tissue to detach from the tooth. Besides this, laser treatments will help disinfect the bacterial accumulation so that the progression of the gum disease can be stopped. When diseased areas are cleaned and maintained correctly, the gingival tissue re-attaches with the tooth surface, preventing further recession.

• Soft Tissue Grafting 

Tissue grafting can help recover the gum recession area when the tissue loss is severe. The tissue is either taken from another section of your mouth or a donor and is then stitched to the site where the tissue has been lost. 

• Crown Lengthening/Pocket Depth Reduction 

When the recession is caused by advanced gum disease, it becomes necessary to reduce the depth of the diseased pocket to help maintain proper oral hygiene. This process is known as crown lengthening or pocket reduction. It involves removing the diseased tissue so that only a tiny amount of detached gum remains around the dental pocket surrounding the tooth. This allows flossing and brushing to be more effective, keeping the area clean and preventing the disease's progression. 

If you feel your gums are receding, schedule an exam at Roshan Emam DDS in Palo Alto, CA, or call us at (650) 321-0340 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Emam.