If you’ve begun to observe that your teeth seem a little longer than they used to or you notice small gaps near the gum line, we know you might get worried it’s receding gums. Most people dismiss it at first. But gum recession isn’t only a superficial problem – if you let it go without addressing it, the health and stability of your teeth may be compromised as well.
At White Swan Dental Clinic, we have many patients that are concerned/embarrassed about shrinking gums. The good news is some receding gums treatments actually do work when performed at the right time, along with good home care.
What are receding gums?
Receding gums occur when the gum tissue, which covers the roots of the teeth, starts to move away from those roots so that more and sometimes even the root is exposed. This can cause you to have:
- Tooth sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods
- Visible root surfaces near the gum line
- Gaps or black triangles between teeth
- A feeling that your teeth are getting longer
Often, gum recession links to gum disease, aggressive brushing, clenching or grinding, or even misaligned teeth. Therefore, understanding the cause is the first step in planning the right treatment for receding gums. Get details on Dental Clinic in Business Bay.
Professional cleaning: scaling and root planing
Frequently, gum recession is related to periodontal disease and aggressive brushing as well as clenching, grinding or malocclusion. So knowing the reason for receding gums is crucial to finding out right medicine.
Deep, aggressive cleanings are often the best first intervention in many early cases. This procedure is known as scaling and root planing.
During this procedure, the dentist or hygienist:
- Carefully removes plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line
- Smooths the root surfaces so bacteria find it harder to stick
- Helps the gums reattach more closely to the tooth
Because this therapy addresses the root cause of periodontal disease, it has the ability to help slow or even stop gum recession completely. Your dentist may also recommend an antibacterial mouthwash or local medicine to help regulate infection and promote healing. Looking for a Preventive Dentistry in Business Bay?
Laser gum treatment
Often modern laser gum treatment can be very effective when in conjunction to traditional cleaning. Instead of relying solely on manual instruments, a dental laser precisely lifts diseased tissue and sterilizes the pockets around your teeth.
Laser treatment for receding gums can:
- Reduce bacteria in deep pockets
- Minimise bleeding and swelling
- Make healing feel faster and more comfortable
While laser therapy cannot magically grow your gums back, it can stabilise the condition and support other receding gum treatments like grafting.
Gum graft surgery
If your gum recession is more severe or if the roots exposed are overly sensitive, your dentist may advise you undergo a grafting procedure. This is among the surest treatments that work for safeguarding the roots and improving your smile.
Common grafting techniques include:
- Connective tissue graft – tissue is taken from under the skin of your palate and placed over the receded area
- Free gingival graft – a small piece of tissue is taken directly from the palate and attached to the gum line
- Pedicle graft – gum tissue is moved from a nearby area to cover the exposed root
While “surgery” may sound scary, these are usually performed under local anaesthetic and most people get back to their normal routines pretty fast. Which means that gum grafting can protect the tooth and dramatically improve how your gums look. Get details on Dental Checkup in Business Bay.
Orthodontic treatment (when teeth are misaligned)
Receding gums are sometimes due to teeth that are poorly positioned. For instance, teeth that angle outwards or are really crowded might exert additional pressure on the bone and gums.
In those cases, orthodontic treatment — such as with braces or clear aligners — can help shift teeth into better position. And while that doesn’t directly “treat” the gum tissue, it mitigates the forces that created the recession in the first place. Then, if necessary, small gum corrections or grafts can be done for optimal long-term result. Looking for a General Dentistry in Business Bay?
Home care habits that support healing
Professional treatments work best when you also improve your oral hygiene and lifestyle habits at home. Simple changes can make a big difference.
Try to:
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle circular movements
- Choose desensitising toothpaste if your teeth feel sensitive
- Floss daily or use interdental brushes where needed
- Avoid tobacco, as it slows healing and worsens gum disease
- Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings
Furthermore, if you grind your teeth at night, your dentist may suggest a night guard to reduce pressure on teeth and gums.
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» Tooth Swelling & Infection: When to Seek Immediate Care?
When should you see a dentist about receding gums?
You should book a consultation if you notice:
- Persistent sensitivity along the gum line
- Gums that look thinner or uneven
- Bleeding when you brush or floss
- A family history of gum disease
Early treatment at a trusted dental clinic like White Swan Dental Clinic can prevent further damage and help keep your gums and teeth healthy for many years.
FAQs on “Receding Gums”
No, your receding gums to not grow back by themselves. But with procedures such as scaling and root planing, to laser surgery or gum grafts, coverage can be restored and your teeth protected.
The most effective treatment depends on the cause and how severe it is. In mild cases, professional cleaning will be sufficient and in more severe recession, a gum graft may be indicated or a combination of treatments.
The majority of patients only experience slight discomfort, as the area will have been anaesthetised with a local anaesthetic. The next day or two you might be a little sore but there is some good pain relief advice and if necessary medication that your dentist will give you.
The first phase of healing will typically occur over 1–2 weeks. However, the grafted site may not fully heal in your mouth for several weeks to a few months, depending on your general health and how well you follow post-operative care instructions.
Not always. Overbrushing is one common reason but gum disease, genetics, grinding and crooked teeth are also to blame for the receding gums.
Receding Gums cannot be reversed by simply using mouthwash. Still yet, a fine antibacterial mouthwash may assist in controlling plaque and support professional treatment.
Yes, laser gum treatment is safe with a trained dentist. It can also reduce infected tissue and bacteria, sometimes with less bleeding and faster recovery.
Brush gently with a soft toothbrush, floss daily, don’t smoke, and schedule regular visits to your dentist. In addition, treating any gum infection sooner will minimize the risk of continued recession.
Use a soft toothbrush, brush gently, floss daily, avoid smoking, and keep regular dental visits. Moreover, treating any gum infection early will reduce the risk of further recession.
Yes, gum recession is an increasingly common condition with age. But it is not something you’re condemned to. You may be able to prevent receding gums from harming your teeth no matter what your age is with the help of proper receding gums treatments.
Should gum recession and/or periodontal disease go unchecked, bone and support structures around the teeth will be destroyed resulting in tooth mobility and eventually tooth loss.
If you experience sensitivity, see roots in the mirror or bleeding gums visit sooner. It’s early diagnosis by White Swan Dental Clinic that enables us to provide effective treatment for receding gums before things get serious.