Cosmetic dentistry may help manage the appearance of receding gums, though gum recession itself is irreversible and outcomes vary. The initial treatment typically involves teeth cleaning, scaling and root planing to remove plaque and smooth the root surface, promoting gum healing. If these measures are insufficient, additional cosmetic procedures, such as gum contouring, may be considered. Gum contouring can help create a more balanced gumline for some patients; your dentist will discuss its suitability and risks with you.
What Are Receding Gums?
Receding gums are a condition where the gum tissue surrounding the teeth begins to pull back, exposing the roots of the teeth. This exposure can make the teeth more sensitive to hot or cold foods and drinks, and discomfort may be felt when brushing with cold water if gum recession is severe.
Receding gums create an environment conducive to bacteria settling, leading to plaque accumulation, worsening of existing gum disease and potential tooth loss. Treatments exist, but their effectiveness is limited because gum recession is irreversible.
What Are The Causes Of Gum Recession?
Gum recession can be caused by various factors, all of which you should be aware of. Knowing what causes your gums to recede can help you avoid this problem in the future.
Tooth-brushing too hard:Â Brushing your teeth too vigorously can harm your gums. This can cause your gums to recede over time.
Clenching and grinding:Â Do you clench or grind your teeth at night? Then you could be contributing to gum recession. Consult your dentist about mouthguards and other ways to protect your teeth.
Gum disease:Â If gum disease is left untreated or uncontrolled for a long time, gums may begin to pull away from your teeth. This is especially true if plaque is present on your teeth all of the time. Regularly cleaning your teeth is highly recommended.
Trauma:Â If you have an accident or get hit in the face, your gums may pull back. Consult your dentist if you’ve recently received a blow to the head or other facial trauma, and your teeth appear to be affected.
How Do Dentists Treat Receding Gums?
Dentists start the treatment of receding gums by assessing the extent of the damage.
If gum disease is contributing to the recession, your dentist will treat the infection, which may include a professional clean and, in some cases, antibiotics to lower the bacteria count in the mouth.
Depending on your situation, your dentist may also recommend the following:
- Topical Antibiotic Gel: This is an antibiotic intended for direct application to the affected region.
- Antimicrobial Mouthwash: This mouthwash helps reduce bacteria in the mouth. After a deep clean or root planing, your dentist may also discuss other localised treatments or prescription medicines where appropriate.
How Does Cosmetic Dentistry Treat Receding Gums?
In cases of mild gum recession, treatment usually starts with a professional teeth cleaning. This involves removing tartar and plaque from the teeth and the spaces between them, and may include additional procedures such as scaling and root planing.
These treatments remove plaque and smooth the root surface, helping the gums to heal. In some cases, dentists might also prescribe antibiotics to help control infection. Gum tissue that has already receded does not usually grow back on its own.
If the above methods do not help, other cosmetic procedures could be considered. Although gum recession itself is irreversible, cosmetic dentistry can be one option to help manage its appearance.
Treating Serious Cases Of Gum Recession
If you experience a severe case of gum recession, you should first be examined to determine the severity of the problem and have your teeth cleaned. This cleansing is necessary because it cleans the gaps between your teeth, removes tartar and plaque buildup, and allows your gums to heal.
The dentist may prescribe antibiotics to help fight the bacteria that are contributing to gum disease. Treating the infection can help stop the recession from getting worse, but gum tissue that has already receded does not usually grow back on its own.
In severe cases, your dentist may discuss surgical options such as gum grafting. Like any surgical procedure, these carry risks, which your dentist will explain.
Conclusion
For some people, cosmetic dentistry may be one option for managing the appearance of receding gums. Gum contouring and gum veneers may be suitable for some patients. Your dentist will discuss whether they are appropriate for you, the risks involved and what results you can realistically expect, as results vary.
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