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When talking about oral health, not everything is about teeth. There is a field of dentistry called periodontics that focuses on the structures that surround your teeth, like your gums. One of the many issues that can affect your gums is gum recession. This is a condition in which your gums start to recede and more of the tooth’s surface and in some cases, the tooth’s root is exposed. This condition requires the attention of a dentist near you since it can have terrible consequences on your oral health if left untreated.

What causes gum recession?

There are many reasons why your gums start to recede, with the main one being periodontal disease. This condition, also called gum disease, occurs when plaque starts to build up under the gums. This causes the gums to become inflamed and is the reason why people tend to bleed while brushing their teeth in the early stages of the disease. As it progresses, your gums start to separate from your teeth, and pockets are formed beneath the gum line, where bacteria and debris begin to build up. This can lead to gum recession and ultimately tooth loss due to the destruction of the structures that support the tooth.

Receding gums are often seen in people who brush their teeth aggressively. This can also cause your enamel to wear away. On the other hand, deficient oral hygiene can lead to a buildup of plaque and tartar, and without regular teeth cleanings performed by your dentist in Edmonton, these can result in gum disease. Finally, some people seem to be genetically predisposed to suffer from this condition.

What are the symptoms of receding gums?

Patients with gum recession often experience bleeding after brushing their teeth, inflamed gums, and bad breath. Also, once the tooth’s root is exposed, it is common to experience tooth sensitivity.

How are receding gums treated?

Before undergoing gum therapy in Edmonton, your dentist will examine your gums and determine the severity of your case. Mild cases can be treated by regular dentists. However, when it comes to moderate and severe cases, you will need the help of a periodontist.

Treatment for mild cases

In mild cases, dentists remove the plaque and tartar that have built upon the surface of your teeth below the gum line. This process is called scaling and root planing, or deep cleaning. After removing all of the plaque and tartar, your dentist will use special instruments to smooth the roots. This is performed to help your gums reattach to your teeth and prevent further buildup of bacteria and the formation of sockets. After this procedure, it is vital to follow your dentist’s recommendations and return for routine teeth cleanings to stop the progression of this disease.

Moderate and severe cases

Sometimes, a deep cleaning isn’t enough to treat gum recession. In these cases, it is recommended to look for specialized gum therapy near you. A specialist can perform surgery to treat receding gums. The most common type of surgery is open flap scaling and root planing. In this procedure, your dentist will do the same as in a deep cleaning with the exception that they will open a small flap of your gum tissue and expose the tooth root. Once all of the plaque is removed, your dentist will fold the gum tissue back into place. This gives them the chance to remove or tighten up any pockets between the gums and the surface of the teeth. In more severe cases, periodontists can perform gum graft surgery, which helps cover up exposed tooth roots. As a result, the symptoms are reduced and the progression of the disease is stopped.