What Does it Mean When Your Gums Recede? Advice from Your North Delta Dentist

Your gums are essential not just for your appearance, but for protecting the roots of your teeth. If your gums have started to recede, you can get effective receding gums treatment from your North Delta dentist.

While you might start to panic when you notice that your gums start to shrink and pull away from teeth, the reality is that receding gums treatment is available, and is effective in most cases. You can prepare for your treatment by learning more about receding gums, the various causes, and how the best dentist in North Delta BC can provide solutions.

What Leads to Receding Gums Treatment?

Receding gums treatment is necessary when your gums shrink and pull away from teeth enough to cause sensitivity, pain, and an increased risk of tooth loss. Receding gums is linked to gum disease, but this isn’t the only cause.

The most common factors that lead to receding gums treatment with a dentist in North Delta BC include…

• Gum Disease – Easily the most common cause of gum recession, gum disease is also known as periodontitis. It’s a bacterial infection that causes inflammation and damage to the soft tissue around teeth. If untreated, it can cause gums to shrink and recede.
• Oral Hygiene – Poor oral hygiene is another leading factor that necessitates receding gums treatment. If you don’t brush, floss, and rinse regularly, then the buildup of bacteria and acid can cause inflammation. This is followed by receding gums and can also contribute to gum disease.
• Trauma –Physical damage, or trauma, can also cause gums to recede. If you brush too aggressively then the soft tissue can become damaged and will eventually degrade. It’s important to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and use gentle circular motions to avoid damaging your gums.
• Genetics and Hormonal Changes –Unfortunately, you might not have any control over receding gums at all. Some people are genetically predisposed to experiencing receding gums. Some genetic factors increase the risk of gum disease or may lead to the development of unusually thin gum tissue. Even when it isn’t genetic, hormonal changes caused by disease, illness pregnancy, menopause, or puberty can cause receding gums.Regardless of the cause, receding gums must be treated to protect your dental health. You can look for common symptoms to learn when it’s time to see your dentist in North Delta BC.

Signs You Need to See Your Dentist in North Delta BC

Knowing what to look for can ensure that you get effective treatment for receding gums before the damage is severe.

• Tooth sensitivity is a common indicator that gums have receded. As gums pull away from teeth, they expose the more sensitive root structure.
• If your teeth are starting to appear larger and longer or with bigger gaps around the bases, this is a sign that your gums are receding.
• If you can see the roots of your teeth, then you absolutely need to talk to your dentist in North Delta BC.
• Inflammation and red or swollen gums are signs that you might have gum disease. Your gums may also bleed when brushing or flossing.

Don’t ignore the symptoms. Talk to your dentist in North Delta BC to explore your treatment options.

How are Receding Gums Treated by Your North Delta Dentist?

There are several approaches that your North Delta dentist can use to stop receding gums. Even in severe cases, tissue can be regenerated to ensure that your teeth are protected.

If the recession is mild and there is early-stage gum disease, you can get treatment with scaling and root planning. This is a procedure where your teeth are cleaned below the gum line, removing tartar and plaque as well as bacteria. This reduces bacterial activity to prevent inflammation. It’s highly effective in many cases and can prevent progressive symptoms.

If you have lost significant amounts of tissue, then gum grafting can be used to restore the protective barrier around the roots of teeth. This can be performed with sterile donated graft materials, or tissue can be taken from another area of the mouth and grafted to your gums. This can be combined with root planning and scaling or other treatments like pocket reduction surgery. Pocket reduction reduces the pocket depth surrounding teeth, while also promoting tissue reattachment.

Improved oral hygiene can also help to prevent progressive gum recession. Your North Delta dentist can provide advice and tips for you to follow at home.

Book a Consultation with Your North Delta Dentist

The team at Nordel Crossing Dental Centre is here to help when you have issues with gum recession. We will provide detailed consultation and diagnosis, with an effective treatment plan. Your gums are a critical part of your overall dental health, so protecting them is essential. Book your appointment to learn more and smile with confidence knowing that your teeth are protected.