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How to: Repair Receding Gums

Michael Wahl • October 8, 2019

In our last post we covered the risks and causes of receding gums. If you think you may have a problem with receding gums, it’s always best to consult your dentist. However, here is an overview of treatments available and the best methods of preventing receding gums.

Treatment

How your dentist chooses to treat your receding gums will depend heavily on what they determine is the cause. Obviously, if there is something that is still causing gum recession, your dentist will help you find strategies to counter the current gum loss. Once you stop your gum recession, you and your dentist can decide if there is a restorative treatment that’s right for your situation.

Scaling and Root Planing

This treatment is intended to help curb gum recession. Since a leading cause of receding gums is trapped bacteria causing infection, your dentist will use special tools to reach between your gums and your teeth to clean out trapped plaque and tartar. Removing the irritant and smoothing your roots will also encourage your gums to reattach to your teeth. It’s important for your gums and teeth to be firmly attached so your gums can protect your roots and give support.

Pinhole Surgical Technique

PST, or Pinhole Surgical Technique is a new treatment that helps restore your gums with minimal damage and a shortened healing time. Your dentist will make a small hole in the gums above recession. They gently separate the gum from the tooth, then stretch the gums back over the exposed root.  Next, your dentist will insert small collagen strips in the hole and along the place where your gum should now reattach. These collagen strips help to speed up the healing and help your gums attach to the teeth in the right place, similar to a biological glue. Unlike Gum Graft Surgery, there is very little cutting which helps speed up your healing afterwards.

Gum Graft Surgery

Gum Graft Surgery is a fairly involved procedure, generally best for severe gum recession or multiple teeth with gum recession. First, your dentist will cut a portion of gum tissue out of the roof of your mouth. Next, they cut underneath the existing gum near the exposed roots. Then they place the replacement gum along the portion of exposed root and lay the original gum flap back down. Although it is more involved, it is an excellent choice for aggressive gum recession and protect your teeth from sensitivity and decay.

Prevention

As always, the best defense is a good offense. Getting out in front of your gum recession produces the best results for the best price!

Proper hygiene

Follow your dentist’s recommendations for proper oral hygiene. This usually includes:

  • brush your teeth with a soft bristle brush
  • brush in small, gentle circles, massaging your gums
  • use a toothpaste with fluoride in it
  • use toothbrushes that are small enough to easily reach all parts of your teeth without adding pressure to your gums
  • floss well between all your teeth at least once a day
  • swish with antiseptic mouthwash
  • visit your hygienist regularly for deep cleanings

Good Technique

Check and make sure you’re following the ADA recommended technique for brushing.

  1. Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums.
  2. Gently move the brush back and forth in short (tooth-wide) strokes.
  3. Brush the outer surfaces, the inner surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth.
  4. To clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, tilt the brush vertically and make several up-and-down strokes.

If you’re not sure if you are brushing correctly, ask your dentist to watch you and provide correction.

6 Dumb Ways to Lose Your Teeth

By Michael Wahl • September 1, 2020
Your teeth are not a tool. Ok, you might argue that your teeth ARE a tool for helping break down your food, clearly articulate words, and supporting your facial bone structure. And, you’d be right on those counts. What we mean here is a more basic idea of tool- an inanimate item which helps you… Continue Reading 6 Dumb Ways to Lose Your Teeth The post 6 Dumb Ways to Lose Your Teeth appeared first on West One Family Dental.

Is Nano Hydroxyapatite a Safe, Effective, Fluoride Alternative?

By Michael Wahl • August 25, 2020
If you listen to an oral care specialist for a hot minute, you’re likely to hear all about fluoride. Fluoride is the go-to preventative tool recommended by Amercian Dental Association. And with good reason! The introduction of fluoride has revolutionized oral health. However, it does have some downsides. Too much fluoride can lead to fluorosis,… Continue Reading Is Nano Hydroxyapatite a Safe, Effective, Fluoride Alternative? The post Is Nano Hydroxyapatite a Safe, Effective, Fluoride Alternative? appeared first on West One Family Dental.

Are you Brushing Too Hard?

By Michael Wahl • August 18, 2020
When you think of all the negative impacts of poor oral health, it can be easy to get aggressive with your brushing. Plaque build-up become tartar and can cause gum disease. Gum disease can lead to tooth loss and increases your risk of other more serious health problems. Plaque & tartar cause bad breath, dental… Continue Reading Are you Brushing Too Hard? The post Are you Brushing Too Hard? appeared first on West One Family Dental.

Mental Health & Oral Health: How They Impact One Another

By Michael Wahl • August 11, 2020
While you may not think about it, oral health and mental health are surprisingly interlinked. Negative oral health can have an impact on your mental health, just like poor mental heath has a negative effect on oral health. Let’s look closer at this interconnected relationship and consider some takeaways. Poor Oral Health’s Impact on Mental… Continue Reading Mental Health & Oral Health: How They Impact One Another The post Mental Health & Oral Health: How They Impact One Another appeared first on West One Family Dental.

Benefits of Using Mouthwash

By Michael Wahl • July 28, 2020
It’s late, after a long day. You’re probably ready to flop into bed and pass out. Sometimes after a long day of work, meticulous dental hygiene is at the bottom of your list. And we get it! Maybe you’ve often made the choice to skip mouthwash in favor of a quicker routine. But there are… Continue Reading Benefits of Using Mouthwash The post Benefits of Using Mouthwash appeared first on West One Family Dental.

Is Your Bad Breath A Symptom of a Serious Issue?

By Michael Wahl • July 21, 2020
Do you find yourself popping breath mints or gum in your mouth constantly? If you struggle with halitosis, or bad breath, there could be an underlying issue that needs to be addressed. We’ve covered common bad breath cures here. Start with these common solutions, but if you’re still plagued by bad breath, it’s time to… Continue Reading Is Your Bad Breath A Symptom of a Serious Issue? The post Is Your Bad Breath A Symptom of a Serious Issue? appeared first on West One Family Dental.

Is Black Mold the Real Cause of Your Tooth Decay?

By Michael Wahl • July 14, 2020
Tooth decay is a rampant issue among Americans. More than half of adolescents have at least one cavity. Cavities are the most common chronic disease for children 6-19. 9 out of 10 adults have tooth decay. Most of the attention to this issue focuses on diet as the main culprit. While diet is important, new… Continue Reading Is Black Mold the Real Cause of Your Tooth Decay? The post Is Black Mold the Real Cause of Your Tooth Decay? appeared first on West One Family Dental.

Extractions, Part 2: Caring for the Extraction Site

By Michael Wahl • July 7, 2020
So, you’ve had a tooth extracted. There are many reasons why this may have been the right choice, as you can read about in our blog from last week. You can have a huge impact on how well your mouth heals and your pain levels by caring for your tooth extraction site. While not every… Continue Reading Extractions, Part 2: Caring for the Extraction Site The post Extractions, Part 2: Caring for the Extraction Site appeared first on West One Family Dental.

What You Should Know About Tooth Extractions Part 1

By Michael Wahl • July 1, 2020
Teeth are an incredible asset. While we may be biased as dental professionals, take a minute to consider the usefulness of having your teeth! (Or, check out our blog here about the hazards of going without teeth!) However, there are times when the best decision for your health is to extract a tooth. Let’s take… Continue Reading What You Should Know About Tooth Extractions Part 1 The post What You Should Know About Tooth Extractions Part 1 appeared first on West One Family Dental.

Common Tongue Issues and What They Mean

By Michael Wahl • June 23, 2020
In many of our discussions of oral health we emphasize the importance of brushing and flossing all sides of your teeth. But what if you begin to notice that your tongue is looking different? Did you know that brushing your teeth should include a semi-regular brushing of your tongue as well? Your tongue can become… Continue Reading Common Tongue Issues and What They Mean The post Common Tongue Issues and What They Mean appeared first on West One Family Dental.
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