Receding Gums Sandy Springs, GA

Gum recession is both a cosmetic and oral health concern that can impact the integrity of your smile. Receding gums can expose tooth roots, raise your risk for a range of dental problems, cause discomfort when eating or drinking and have a detrimental effect on the aesthetics of your smile.

Atlanta area dentist Dr. Radha Patel offers treatment options for receding gums to restore both health and beauty to your smile. Using cosmetic treatments our team can address your needs with the appropriate dental care that will support your long-term oral health.

Gum Recession: Common Causes

There are several reasons for gum recession, from genetic to lifestyle-related factors. Understanding your unique risk factors for both gum disease and receding gums can play an important role in the long-term maintenance of a healthy smile.

Dr. Patel and our team take time with all of our patients to get to know them and provide personalized care and advice to support optimal oral health between routine dental visits. Healthy gums support healthy, strong tooth structure and are the key to avoiding complex dental problems, including tooth loss.

Dr. Patel will evaluate your dental health and discuss your overall medical history and lifestyle habits to determine the cause of your gum recession and choose the most suitable treatment option.

Health Concerns

Gum disease is one of the most common reasons for receding gums. Plaque and tartar build up at your gumline, creating a haven for bacteria to feed. They release byproducts that damage your gum tissue. The longer you have gum disease without treatment or management, the further your gums will recede. It’s important to note that gum tissue doesn’t grow back once it’s gone. Gum recession can get to the point where you need a gum graft or other procedure.

Certain systemic illnesses impact your gums. Diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, and others impact how your blood circulates in the tissue. A weakened immune system and a condition triggering your body’s inflammatory response also make you more susceptible to gum disease and gum recession.

Teeth grinding and crooked teeth put pressure on certain areas of your gum tissue. With bruxism, the constant friction of teeth grinding starts to wear the gums down. Teeth that aren’t aligned properly put different types of pressure on the tissue, especially in certain areas.

Genetics always plays a part in our bodies. If people in your family are prone to periodontal disease and gum issues, you will be too. You also may just naturally have thinner gum tissue, making them more likely to recede.

Other Factors

Outside issues impact gum recession, too. While brushing your teeth is essential, aggressive tooth brushing can actually make your gums recede. Hard-bristled toothbrushes are too aggressive for your gums and should be avoided. Brushing too hard wears down your tooth enamel and causes your gum tissue to detach from the teeth.

Tobacco use has negative effects throughout your body. For the mouth, it reduces the blood flow to your gum tissue. It also makes your body less adept at fighting infection. These two factors make your gum tissue weaker and more likely to recede.

Physical trauma can be caused by accidents or injuries when you may not be expecting it. If you get a direct hit to your gum tissue, it becomes damaged and/or detaches from your teeth, leading to gum recession.

Treatment for Receding Gums

The type of treatment recommended will depend on the severity of your gum recession and your cosmetic goals. Dr. Patel will work with you on an individual basis to choose the right option for restoring gum health as well as the aesthetics of your natural smile.

In addition to protecting the tooth roots and stabilizing the teeth, your gums are a part of your overall appearance. Dr. Patel has an eye for aesthetics and can contour the gums for a symmetrical, balanced appearance.

Non-Surgical Options

Early stages of gum recession are usually caused by gum disease. Scaling and root planing are the main treatment options for mild to moderate gum disease. We deeply clean gum pockets to rid them of bacteria and debris. After this, we smooth down the tooth roots so that the gum tissue can reattach to the teeth and bones.

We sometimes use antibiotics in conjunction with other treatments for a better outcome. They help control the bacterial infection. We may prescribe you oral antibiotics in the form of pills or a topical solution that you put directly on your gums or rinse your mouth with.

Surgical Solutions

When gum disease progresses to more severe stages, surgery is what we have to turn to for effective treatment. The preferred method is laser dentistry. It’s the least invasive surgical option, removing bacteria and damaged tissue and promoting tissue regeneration and attachment to the teeth again.

Another option is gum grafting. We take tissue from another part of your mouth or a donor and put it over the tooth roots revealed by gum recession. It protects those tooth roots and prevents the gums from receding further.

Receding Gums FAQs

Can gum recession be reversed?

Gum recession can’t be reversed. Gums are not regenerative, so once their tissue is damaged it will not grow back. You can prevent the recession from getting worse with treatment, but prior damage is permanent.

Can stress cause receding gums?

Yes, stress can be the cause of receding gums. Old age, poor dental care, and a stressful lifestyle are some of the causes of gum recession. Fortunately, your dentist can provide treatment for receding gums in just a few visits.

Will an electric toothbrush help receding gums?

Electric toothbrushes are recommended for patients with receding gums. Studies have shown that they improve gum health. Ask your dentist what type of electric toothbrush they would recommend to help your oral care and gum recession.

Schedule A Dental Exam & Consultation Today

If you have receding gums or have concerns about the health of your gums, schedule a consultation with Dr. Patel in our Sandy Springs dentist office. We welcome new patients and can offer the experienced, personalized care that you need to achieve the smile you desire. To schedule an appointment, call (470) 239-6422 or request an appointment online.