Gum Recession

Periodontal Disease is a disease consequence of poor oral health, drug consumption, and diet practices. This is a serious disease that may lead to tooth loss.

GINGIVITIS

Periodontal disease is a progressed form of Gingivitis. It starts with a buildup of bacteria and plaque within the gums and teeth. Over time, plaque becomes tartar and calcifies around the teeth. Without professional intervention and good oral hygiene, the gum becomes loose and falls away from the teeth and supporting tissues. Pockets form between the teeth and gums; creating a breeding ground for bacteria and further infection.

RECEDING GUMS MAY BE CAUSED BY A NUMBER OF FACTORS INCLUDING:

• Aggressive tooth brushing
• Absence of tooth brushing and flossing
• Hardened plaque buildup (tartar)
• Smoking
• Drug consumption
• Poor nutrition
• Hormonal changes (women)
• Diabetes
• HIV disease
• Decreased saliva

According to the California Dental Association, receding gums are most common in adults 40 years and older. For this reason, it is often misconceived as a normal sign of aging. Also more men than women develop receding gums.

SYMPTOMS OF RECEDING GUMS

Some symptoms of receding gums my include:

• Bleeding gums after brushing or flossing
• Red, swollen gums
• Bad breath
• Pain at the gum line
• Visible shrinking gums
• Exposed tooth roots
• Loose teeth

DIAGNOSIS

Receding gums and other forms of periodontal disease are diagnosed by your dentist. A physical examination can indicate the problems. A probe (small instrument with measuring gauges) may also be used to measure gum pockets; this is a painless procedure that is routine in your periodic cleaning and checkup visits.
According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, normal pocket sizes range between 1 to 3 millimetres. Anything larger or deeper is a sign of gum disease.

Gum Disease is treated at Wilshire Smile Studio by our dental hygienists and our team of specialists.

Dr. Twersky and his team can determine the best course of treatment to save gum tissues and your teeth. Beginning with X-rays, probing and a thorough cleaning which my including anesthesia for deep pockets.

MEDICATIONS MAY INCLUDE:

• Topical antibiotic gel
• Antimicrobial mouthwash
• Enzyme suppressants

SURGERY

Periodontal Surgery may be recommended and used to the worst cases of receding gums. There are generally two options to treatment: Flap surgery and grafting.

Flap surgery is a deep tissue cleaning used if other treatments fail. It gets rid of bacteria and tartar buildup within the gums. In order to perform this surgery, our team surgically lifts up the gum, cleans and removes the affected area and stitches the flap once the procedure is over. There are times when the teeth appear longer after the flap surgery because the gums fir more closely around these teeth.

Grafting is a procedure to revive the affected gums or bone. During this surgery, our Periodontist places either a synthetic particle or a piece of bone or tissue to help the gums grow back around the teeth.

It is very important to note that these procedures cannot be successful over the long term without proper oral health care and good nutrition.

COMPLICATIONS OF RECEDING GUMS

The California Dental Association (CDA) estimates that periodontal diseases such as receding gums are responsible for about 70% percent of adult tooth loss. When there is not enough gum tissue to hold tooth roots in place, the teeth are vulnerable to loss.

In some instances, multiple loose teeth are removed by the dentist before they fall out. Advanced cases of receding gums will likely require surgery to prevent further damage.

PREVENTING RECEDING GUMS

One of the best tools for preventing receding gums is to see you dentist for regular cleanings and checkups. Even if you don’t experience any symptoms, our team can identify early signs of gum disease. You also help prevent gum problems by practicing good oral health habit and nutrition.

While regular flossing and brushing removes bacteria, food particles and plaque, tartar may only be removed with a dental cleaning instrument. Tartar can contribute to gum disease and receding gums, biannual cleanings are so vital in preventing these types of complications. Early stages of gum disease can be detected and treated.

If you feel and see signs of receding gums, your best chance of preventing advance disease is to come into our office (even before your six month checkup) to have our team of experienced Periodontal specialists check and address your concerns.