Receding Gums Treatments
With gum recession, the gum tissue pulls away from the surfaces of the teeth leaving the roots exposed. The condition progresses gradually over time, often develops due to poor oral health, and could result in eventual loss of teeth. There are several treatment options available the choice of which, will depend on the extent of tissue loss. Diagnosing and addressing the condition promptly, will produce better outcomes.
This article will discuss the various treatment options available for patients with gum recession as well as information about its causes and risk factors that should be known to help mitigate the risk of developing the condition.
Risk Factors and Causes of Receding Gums
Unlike other tissues in the body, like the epithelial layer of the skin, gum tissue does not regenerate or grow back. Because of this, it is important to understand the things that can lead to gum recession from developing.
The primary cause of gum recession is periodontal (gum) disease. An advanced form of gingivitis, periodontal disease begins with the accumulation of plaque and bacteria within the teeth and gums. Over time, the bacterial plaque damages the gum tissue causing it to pull away from the teeth. This recession can allow pockets to develop between the gums and teeth where additional plaque and bacteria can collect.
Gum recession can also be caused by:
- Long-term overaggressive brushing
- Using a hard-bristled toothbrush
- Tartar buildup (hardened plaque that can only be removed by a dentist)
- Smoking or tobacco use
- Hormonal changes for women
- Family history of periodontal disease
- Diabetes
- HIV
- Medications that cause dry mouth (lack of saliva makes oral tissues susceptible to injury and infection)
- Age – condition is most common in those 40 years of age or more
Diagnosis
A dentist or periodontist (gum specialist) can diagnose receding gums by performing a physical examination of the patient’s gum pockets using a dental probe. The probe, which is like a small ruler, will measure pocket depths to ensure they fall within the 1-3 millimeter range that is considered healthy. Anything over 3 millimeters is considered to indicate periodontal disease and treatment is warranted.
Treatment Options for Gum Recession
- Medications: A periodontist or dentist will determine the best treatment to save the patient’s teeth and gum tissue. Should the cause of recession be due to an infection, prescription antibiotics may be administered. Topical antibiotic gels, antiseptic chips, antibacterial mouthwashes, and enzyme suppressants are other medications that could be prescribed to combat underlying causes of recession.
- Scaling and Root Planing: This deep cleaning procedure could be recommended in the earliest stages of gum disease. The procedure, performed in the dentist’s office, involves removing the plaque and tartar buildup from the teeth and under the gumline. The tooth roots are also smoothed out to prevent future plaque from adhering to them.
- Flap Surgery: Flap surgery takes scaling and root planing further. With this surgery, the oral surgeon makes an incision in the gums, lifts the tissue up, removes bacteria and tartar accumulation, and then secures the gum tissue back in place.
- Grafting: Grafting involves placing either synthetic materials or tissue harvested from other areas of the patient’s mouth around affected areas of gum tissue or bone loss. This helps stimulate the body’s response to help the tissues regrow.
Regardless of the treatment option selected, patients should check their dental benefits provide by their insurance carrier prior to undergoing treatment to verify what is covered. What procedures or treatment options are covered or allowed, will ultimately influence the cost incurred by the patient. Administrative staff at the dentist’s office can also likely answer any questions the patient may have regarding their coverage under their dental benefit plan.