Gum recession is a common oral health issue encountered by family dentists in Edmonton. It occurs when the gum tissue pulls back or wears away from its healthy position along the teeth and recedes below the gum line, resulting in the exposure of sensitive tooth roots. Many people don't realize that their gums are receding until they experience tooth pain and sensitivity. Left untreated, gum recession can lead to serious oral health problems. Thankfully, a West Edmonton dentist such as Westmount Dental Centre can provide effective treatment for gum recession after identifying its cause and severity.
Causes of Receding Gums
The main cause behind most cases of receding gums is poor oral health, usually as a result of poor oral hygiene habits. Neglecting to brush and floss your teeth every day often leads to the development of gum disease, which causes the gum tissue to become infected and inflamed. As gum disease progresses, the gums begin to recede.
While dental hygiene usually plays some sort of role in gum recession, genetics can also determine how likely it is to occur. Some people are predisposed to developing gum disease even if they practice good oral hygiene because of the way that their teeth are positioned or because of their body's natural inflammatory response.
Treatment for Receding Gums
In the early stages, gum recession is often treated simply by improving one's oral hygiene habits and by going for a regular teeth cleaning in Edmonton. Brushing twice a day, flossing at least once a day, switching to a soft-bristled toothbrush, and improving your brushing technique can effectively stop and reverse mild gum disease in many cases.
If your gum recession is more progressed, your Edmonton family dentist will likely perform a deep oral cleaning known as a scaling and root planning. This removes plaque and tartar buildup both from the surfaces of the teeth and from below the gum line, giving the gums a chance to heal. In more severe cases, your dentist may recommend a surgical procedure known as a gum graft. A gum graft uses grafted oral tissue to cover exposed root surfaces, reducing further recession and helping to prevent bone loss.
What to Do If You Have Receding Gums
You should make an appointment to see an Edmonton dentist as soon as you know or suspect that you may have receding gums. If nothing about its underlying causes changes, then gum recession will only continue to get worse and may eventually lead to an infection of the tissue and bone supporting your teeth. This, in turn, can eventually result in tooth loss. A dentist will identify what is causing your gum recession and what your best treatment options are.
The Edmonton dentists at Westmount Dental Centre are here to help if you are experiencing gum recession or any other oral health issues. We provide comprehensive dental services in Edmonton, including teeth cleaning and oral health examinations. To schedule an appointment with a West Edmonton dentist, contact Westmount Dental Centre today.