My Gums Are Receding, Now What?

Do your gums look like they’re pulling away from your teeth when you smile in the mirror? Or maybe your teeth have become more sensitive to hot and cold. While it can be easy to overlook these issues, both point to gum recession, a common dental condition that affects up to 88% of people 65 and older.

At Gulf Coast Periodontics & Implants in Gulfport, Mississippi, Dr. Caesar Sweidan and Dr. Laura Smith treat gum recession in people of all ages. This blog explores why it happens, what it means for your oral health, and what you can do to protect your gums and teeth. 

What causes gum recession?

Gum recession is a form of gum disease that causes your gums to pull away from your teeth. When this happens, it exposes your tooth roots, increasing the risk of cavities and tooth sensitivity. 

The best way to prevent gum recession is to steer clear of common triggers. These include:

• Brushing too hard
• Periodontal disease
• Poor oral hygiene
• Smoking and tobacco use
• Teeth grinding or clenching

Gum recession can affect one tooth or several, but once gum tissue is lost, it won’t grow back. That’s why early diagnosis and treatment are so important.

Why gum recession matters

Gum recession often occurs slowly, over months or years. Because it takes time, many people don’t realize there’s a problem. It often isn’t noticeable until a significant amount of tissue is lost and activities like eating and drinking become uncomfortable. 

However, gum recession is more than an annoyance. If left untreated, it can lead to increased tooth sensitivity, a high risk of cavities, and even tooth loss. 

What to do if you notice receding gums

If you’re concerned that your gums are receding, contact our caring team right away. 

Before developing a treatment plan, we start with an oral exam and ask about your brushing habits and symptoms. We also measure your gums and take dental X-rays to check for bone loss and cavities.

Once we determine the severity of your gum recession and the underlying cause, we’ll recommend a treatment plan to keep it from worsening. 

Treatment options

We offer several types of treatment for gum recession. Depending on your needs, we may recommend:

• Scaling and root planing (periodontal maintenance)
• Using a soft-bristled toothbrush and improving brushing technique
• Prescription mouthwash to reduce harmful bacteria
• Prescription toothpaste
• Wearing a mouthguard (if you grind your teeth)

Many people benefit from several types of treatment. We take a conservative approach whenever possible, but if you’ve lost a significant amount of gum tissue, we may recommend gum graft surgery.

 Worried about gum recession? Get in touch!

If you’ve noticed changes to your gums, it’s important to identify the underlying cause. The good news is that gum recession is highly treatable, especially when caught early. However, you shouldn’t delay care. 

Contact Gulf Coast Periodontics & Implants in Gulfport, Mississippi, if you have receding gums. Call the office or book your appointment online.