A receding gum line is visually disruptive and may make patients embarrassed about their smiles. Gum recession can also leave teeth susceptible to increasing sensitivity and even lead to tooth loss. Often caused by advanced gum disease, gum recession should be addressed by an experienced periodontist. Receding gums are best treated in the earliest stages of development so that patients can avoid subsequent oral health consequences.
Healthy gums are essential to creating a stable and healthy oral foundation. Gums help to secure and protect tooth roots. Santa Monica, CA periodontist Dr. Fabrizio Dall’Olmo offers conservative and personalized treatment plans to restore gum health. Dr. Dall’Olmo is a board-certified member of the American Academy of Periodontology. With over 20 years of experience, he offers thorough, practical, conservative periodontal treatment for various gum-related concerns, including receding gums.
What Causes Receding Gums?
There are many different causes of gum recession. The primary cause is gum disease, caused by poor oral hygiene. Plaque and tartar build up at the gum line, causing inflammation and receding your gums. The condition worsens the longer you leave it untreated, and severe gum disease can cause severe gum recession and tooth loss. Gum disease also affects your entire body if it gets into your bloodstream.
Genetics plays a part in almost every one of our traits. Unfortunately, some people are predisposed to gum recession. Certain genetic factors impact the thickness of your gum tissue. Hormonal fluctuations impact your gums, too. This is mainly in women during pregnancy, puberty, or menopause. The gum tissue becomes more sensitive and is more likely to recede.
Lifestyle habits like brushing your teeth too aggressively and tobacco use can cause gums to recede. If you’re using a toothbrush with hard bristles or using too much pressure, it can start to wear the gum tissue away. Tobacco impacts your overall health, but it causes gum recession, too. Tobacco restricts the blood flow to your gums, which weakens the tissue there, making it more susceptible to recession.
Like many medical conditions, gum health gets worse as we age. Gum tissue elasticity decreases with time, like it does with our skin. Years of wear and tear on your gums show up as time passes. The tissue in your jawbone deteriorates with time, too, giving gum tissue less of a base to connect to.
Receding Gums Symptoms
As with many health concerns, diagnosing the condition in the early stages is helpful. This is when treatment can be most effective, less expensive, and less invasive. Knowing the signs and symptoms of receding gums allows you to be more informed and know what to look for if you suspect you have the condition.
As your gums recede, more of your teeth are exposed. You may be able to see the tooth root, making a tooth look longer than normal. When the roots are exposed, you’re more likely to experience tooth sensitivity. This prominently happens with very hot or cold foods, or sweets. Check with past pictures to see if your teeth seem longer than before if you think your gums may be receding.
Advancing gum recession compromises the stability of your teeth. They’re losing the structure that holds them in place. You may experience loose teeth that lead to tooth loss if not addressed promptly.
Often, the most prominent cause of gum recession is gum disease. Your gums become inflamed, and swollen, leading to gums that bleed more. Bleeding gums is the prominent early symptom of gum disease. If you notice this, contact our office so that we can begin treatment. While the early stages of gum disease are reversible, there comes a point when this is no longer the case.
Persistant bad breath is another common sign of gum disease. If you have bad breath, we recommend increasing the number of times you’re brushing and flossing daily. A mouthwash can also be beneficial. If none of these things successfully treat the issue, it may be a sign of a deeper problem, like gum disease.
Gum Grafting Surgery
Gum grafting surgery is used to repair and restore the gum line to a more natural level. The balance between the tooth-to-gum ratio can create a more aesthetic smile while helping to protect the health and integrity of the teeth for a lasting smile.
Using sedation dentistry, patients will be made comfortable and prepared for treatment. Gum grafting is a surgical procedure that offers long-term results. Gum grafting surgery requires skin from the roof of the patient’s mouth or a gum tissue donor. The extra gum tissue is surgically removed and attached to the existing gum line. The tissue extends the gum line and is shaped to create a natural look.
Gum grafting can treat gum recession and help prevent further deterioration of your oral health. Untreated gum recession can lead to tooth loss and even bone loss. Early diagnosis and treatment of gum disease can prevent the development of gum recession. Bi-annual dental checkups can help Dr. Dall’Olmo catch the early signs of gum disease, including gum recession, and provide conservative treatment measures before complex concerns develop.
Schedule An Appointment
If you have concerns about the appearance or health of your gums, schedule an appointment with Dr. Dall’Olmo in our Santa Monica dentist office. Dr. Dall’Olmo treats receding gums and additional dental health concerns in Santa Monica, CA. We welcome new patients from many local communities, including Venice, Santa Monica, Pacific Palisades, and Brentwood. Contact us at (310) 736-1051 or request an appointment online.