Indianapolis, IN patients benefit from treatment for gum recession

Many people experience some gum recession, perhaps without recognizing that it is occurring. Factors that can influence a person’s risk for gum recession are:

• Genetics – it is estimated that about 30% of Americans are genetically predisposed to periodontal disease, even if they maintain appropriate oral hygiene.
• Lack of routine and professional dental care – establishing a trusting and familiar relationship with a professional dental team is an important step to achieving lifelong oral health. In addition to providing cleanings, examinations, and dental treatments, a dentist and staff can monitor and address subtle changes in the teeth or gums before they become problems.
• Insufficient daily cleaning – flossing daily and brushing at least twice daily particularly after meals, removes debris and build-up of plaque.
• Brushing too hard – aggressive scrubbing at teeth or brushing side to side on the gums causes erosion of enamel and gums.
• Tobacco use – smokers and those who use tobacco products develop persistent plaque, which wears away gum tissue.
• Hormonal fluctuations – gums may become more sensitive and susceptible to receding during a woman’s puberty, pregnancy, or menopause.
• Pressure or friction on teeth – grinding teeth, clenching the jaw, or dealing with cracked or misaligned teeth exerts pressure on the teeth that causes recession.
• Piercings of the tongue or lips – lip rings or tongue studs can rub against or irritate gums.
• Gum disease – periodontal disease, including gingivitis or periodontitis, is the number one cause of gum recession. Bacterial infection eats away at gum tissues and bone.

At Washington Street Dentistry in Indianapolis, Dr. Matthew Church and our team provide a comprehensive menu of advanced dentistry including preventing and treating gum disease while helping patients to maintain healthy teeth and gums.

Treatment for gum recession may involve root planning and tooth scaling, a deep cleaning that addresses tartar and plaque below the gum line. The surface of the root is slightly smoothed so that bacteria has a more difficult time attaching. Gum surgeries, such as regeneration, pocket depth reduction, or gum tissue grafts, are also options for treating recession.

For more information about receding gums, contact our friendly and gentle team at Washington Street Dentistry at (317) 333-6788 today.

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