Okemos, Lansing and East Lansing Michigan
Do your teeth appear longer than they were? Are you also experiencing heightened sensitivity to hot and cold? These two symptoms in combination can indicate your gums are receding. If your gums seem to be shrinking, you might be wondering what you should do. Dr. Christine Tenaglia, Okemos’ favorite dentist, helps answer that question today on the blog.
What can cause receding gums?
Gum disease: Your dentist may want to make measurements of your gums to evaluate the extent of the recession. If gum disease is the cause, your gums may be receding more dramatically depending on the extent of the bacterial infection that is attacking your gums.
Stress: If you clench your jaw or grind your teeth, this additional pressure on your teeth can cause them to flex at the gum line. Over time, this clenching or grinding can cause microscopic breaks in your tooth enamel that lead your gum line to move away from your teeth.
Your at-home oral care: If you are brushing your teeth too aggressively or using a hard-bristled toothbrush, this can wear away at your teeth and cause your gums to recede. Make sure to brush using the correct technique – softly and brushing in a circular motion to sweep across your gum line and remove all the plaque from your teeth and gums.
Injury: If you have sustained a blow or impact to your mouth, that trauma can lead your gums to begin to recede.
Tobacco: Whether you smoke, use chewing tobacco or even vape, the chemicals can adhere to your teeth and gums, creating a buildup of tartar. This accumulation of tartar can obstruct the gum line or erode the gum line, leading to recession of the gums.
Heredity: People can have a genetic predisposition to thinning or receding gums.
How to treat shrinking gums
If your gums are receding, there is no way to reverse the damage but you can take steps to prevent further recession.
Methods of treatment may include any of the following:
The use of a topical antibiotic – If gum disease is causing your receding gums, your dentist may prescribe an antibiotic that is administered directly to your gums. You also may need to undergo repetitive therapy, which combines a dental deep cleaning with having the roots of your teeth smoothed to help discourage plaque from adhering to them in the future.
Dental bonding – Although this is a cosmetic treatment, the application of the tooth-colored resin covers the exposed roots of teeth. This prevents future damage to the roots or discomfort, which can flare up as the tooth roots are not intended to be exposed as they are.
You also may be referred to a periodontist for gum graft surgery.
Preventing gum recession
Your best defense is to maintain a good regimen of oral care. Make sure to brush twice a day, using a soft-bristled toothbrush and the correct technique, as mentioned earlier. You also want to floss daily and may want to incorporate the use of an antimicrobial oral rinse one or two times a day. You also should see the dentist every six months for a check up and avoid using tobacco in any form.
Improve your gum health in Okemos, Lansing and East Lansing in Michigan
Do not let receding gums get the better of you. If you are always experiencing this issue, prompt diagnosis and treatment by a dentist represent the best course of action. Dr. Tenaglia and her team of oral health professionals at Tenaglia Smiles can help. To schedule a consultation, call (517) 347-6733 or complete our convenient online appointment request form.