Receding Gums
What is gum recession?
Healthy gums fit snugly around the visible part of your teeth. Gum recession is when the gums pull away or recede away from the teeth and expose the roots below.
Are your gums receding?
88% of people 65 years or older suffer from gum recession. Learn how to stop it.
Have you noticed your teeth seem to be growing? This isn’t just your imagination — it’s likely you’re suffering from receding gums! Left untreated, receding gums can lead to serious oral health issues including:
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Tooth sensitivity
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Infection
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Decay
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Pain
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Erosion of the roots of your teeth
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Loose teeth
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Lost teeth
We can help. Schedule an appointment at our office and let’s fix your receding gums. Learn more below.
What causes gum recession?
Periodontal disease is the leading cause of gum recession.
Also called gum disease, this dental health problem is caused when plaque and calculus build up along the gumline causing an infection. Without proper oral hygiene, the bacteria in the plaque will slowly eat away at your gums, causing them to recede.
Other causes of gum recession include incorrect brushing and flossing (for example, using the wrong toothbrush or too much force), tooth grinding and clenching, or wearing ill-fitting partial dentures.
Signs of gum recession
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Teeth that appear longer than normal/shrinking gums
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Sensitive teeth
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Pain along your gumline
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Loose teeth
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Bad breath
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Bleeding after brushing or flossing
Don’t ignore the signs! Left untreated, gum recession can lead to tooth loss.
How to stop receding gums?
The good news: Gum recession is easily treatable!
More questions? We can help.
Can receding gums grow back naturally?
On their own, receding gums will not grow back. However, thanks to advanced technology and techniques, there are treatments that can stop the problem from getting worse and reverse the issue.
How do you stop receding gums from getting worse?
At home, you should adopt careful dental hygiene habits. Brush at least twice a day and floss daily. Consult with Dr. Hansen to learn what type of toothbrush and toothpaste is best for you. And make sure to get regular cleanings and exams. You may also benefit from a deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) or other preventive treatment.
How much does it cost to fix receding gums?
This will vary from person-to-person, depending on the severity of the issue and the recommended treatment. Keep in mind that the sooner you identify and treat the issue, the easier and more affordable the treatment options. At our offices, we’ll help you understand what costs are associated with your customized treatment plan.