Have you started to notice that your gums are pulling back and leaving more of your teeth exposed? This is a condition called receding gums, and it doesn’t just affect the way your smile looks. When your gum tissue wears away, it can leave pockets between your teeth and gums where bacteria love to hide and build up. This, in turn, can lead to gum disease or even tooth and bone loss if left too long without treatment.
We don’t mean to scare you, but it is something you should be aware of so you don’t have to deal with future oral health problems. The good news is that there are ways to treat and prevent receding gums, so you can either solve the issue—or stop it from occurring in the first place.
How to Treat Receding Gums
If your gums have just begun receding and it’s not a severe case yet, we can perform a deep cleaning to get rid of any plaque and tartar that has developed and smooth out the tooth root area. This type of deep cleaning is also referred to as scaling and root planing.
Another increasingly popular way to treat receding gums is a procedure called the pinhole surgical technique. If it sounds a little complicated, don’t worry—it’s actually a very simple idea! During the procedure, we gently bring the receded gum tissue back over your teeth. Pinhole surgical technique is a good option for patients with more severe gum recession who wouldn’t benefit from a deep cleaning.
How to Prevent Receding Gums
The first step in preventing receding gums is making sure you’re brushing your teeth correctly. You should be using a soft-bristled toothbrush and brushing gently so as not to harm your gums. Remember to brush at least twice a day, and don’t forget to floss at least once a day, too!
Another step you can take to avoid gum recession is to avoid tobacco. It may be hard to quit smoking or chewing tobacco, but your gums will thank you! You should also make an effort to eat a nutritious diet to help keep your gums healthy.
At Grafton Dental Care, we are proud providers of the pinhole surgical technique. We also provide other gum health services, including deep cleanings. If you need help managing your receding gums, don’t hesitate to contact our practice today!
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