Gingiva is the soft, pink tissue that surrounds your teeth. Better known as gum tissue, it creates a gentle seal around your teeth to hold them in place and protect them from decay.
Healthy gums fit snugly around your teeth and cover the sensitive roots. But millions of Americans have receding gums, a condition that makes gum tissue loosen and pull back from teeth, exposing them to damage and decay.
While some gum recession occurs naturally with age, certain oral health issues can make it worse. Periodontal disease affects about 50% of the adult population, and gum recession is one its most common symptoms.
Gum recession happens slowly, so you might not notice that it’s a problem right away. Without treatment, your gums continue to recede and may eventually contribute to tooth loss, but treatment can stop and even reverse this process.
As expert periodontists, J. Paul Fuentes, DDS, DABP, and Andrew Peterson, DMD, MS, at Arcadia Perio work with patients to identify the signs of receding gums and recommend the right course of treatment.
If you’re concerned about the risks of receding gums, here’s what we recommend you do.
Reevaluate your oral hygiene habits
Brushing and flossing your teeth regularly are critical to keeping your mouth healthy. You should brush and floss at least twice a day to reduce your risk of plaque buildup, decay, and periodontal disease, but did you know that how you clean your teeth matters too?
Brushing your teeth too vigorously (or using a toothbrush with hard bristles) can contribute to gum recession over time. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush with gentle pressure to avoid excessive wear on your gums and teeth.
Get regular dental cleanings
Even if you have strong oral hygiene habits, you can’t effectively remove all the bacteria and plaque from your teeth at home. That’s why the American Dental Association recommends getting a professional dental cleaning at least once a year.
At Arcadia Perio, we thoroughly clean your teeth, using specialized tools to remove plaque and hardened tartar. We also do an oral exam to look for signs of periodontal disease and receding gums.
Ask about periodontal disease treatment options
Periodontal disease is very common, and the consequences can be severe. But lots of treatments are available to stop the condition from getting worse and even reverse some of the damage that’s already occurred.
Dr. Fuentes and Dr. Peterson specialize in treating periodontal disease with LANAP™ laser dentistry. It’s a minimally invasive treatment that stimulates your body’s natural healing ability to fight damage from periodontal disease and stop gum recession.
Consider gum grafting
Even if you have severe gum recession, you’re not out of options. Gum grafting is an outpatient surgical procedure that rebuilds your gums with tissue from elsewhere in your mouth or from a donor source.
Gum grafting treats severe gum recession and gives your body the stimulation it needs to continue regrowing tissue on its own. Benefits include reduced tooth sensitivity and reduced risk of tooth loss. Plus, gum grafting can restore your confidence in your smile.
Receding gums happen to nearly everyone. But if your gums are affecting your oral health, it’s time to do something about it. Contact us by phone or through our online booking tool today. Our office is located in Arcadia, California.